On October 24, the leader of the Georgian Dream Party, Irakli Kobakhidze, called “a disturbing act” the discussion entitled “Protest and Resistance in Georgia in the 20th-21st Century,” planned by the Indigo media for October 31.
The event is tied to the publication of the special 200-page edition of Indigo Magazine. This high-brow publication looks into the history of protest in Georgia, its dynamics, and its development from the angles of history, memory, and art. The publication and the event are supported by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), the oldest German party foundation associated with, but independent from, the Social-Democratic Party (SDP).
GD Chair Kobakhidze reacted to the event while fielding media questions regarding the ruling party conferences in Georgia’s provinces. Several pro-governmental media outlets asked questions concerning the activities of non-governmental organizations and their foreign donors. Kobakhidze responded by rehashing the party line that civil society organizations with Western funding are planning “revolutionary processes” in Georgia. He said these actors have prevented the passing of the so-called “foreign agents law” in March 2023 to obscure their plans better.
“Let our country be, let us ensure peace in this country, and do not to take steps aimed at disturbing the peace, this is our very insistent call.”
Irakli Kobakhidze, GD Chair
Regarding the Indigo conference, Chairman Kobakhdize stated: “The title [of the discussion] is already disturbing – if someone brings up the subject of revolution, and especially if this is happening with foreign funding, it is naturally disturbing, and I urge everyone – to let our country be, let us ensure peace in this country, and do not to take steps aimed at disturbing the peace, this is our very insistent call.”
Response by FES
FES South Caucasus Office responded to the GD leader’s accusations, emphasizing that the magazine has a scientific character and covers “the important stages of the state development of our country, the road to democracy-building, which our Foundation has been serving in Georgia for 30 years since its establishment”. The statement also notes that the FES is a partner of many representatives of civil society and state institutions, “whom we actively support on Georgia’s way to the European Union.”
“The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is the oldest political-social organization in Germany, which is interested in supporting the economic development of our country, the resolution of conflicts, the introduction of social justice, and the construction of a democratic, free society through consensus, constructive dialogue and cooperation,” – concludes the statement.
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, South Caucasus Office
Response by Indigo
The Executive Director of Indigo, Nata Dzvelishvili responded to Chairman Kobakhidze’s statement on social media, stating: “Quite unexpectedly for me, since this morning Rustavi 2 and Imedi TV [pro-governmental TV channels] have been contacting us and our donor, trying to find out what this event is about. [Ruling party] MPs also tried to predict the content, obviously, they were wrong… Like our other publications, this 200-page journal is an attempt to review the past and analyze experiences in order to grasp new perspectives. Therefore, we will be glad if you come [to the conference], read [the magazine], and we can think and reason together.”
Also Read:
- 12/10/2023 – Security Service Summons Activists Amid “Trainings Plot” Allegations
- 03/10/2023 – CANVAS “Condemns and Denies” Georgia Security Service Allegations
- 02/10/2023 – Security Service Says USAID-funded Trainers were Plotting to Foment Unrest in Georgia
