The attempt to start banning words in the media is straight out of Orwell’s book—they are trying to further restrict society, but this society is fighting, and they cannot suppress this protest, said Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zurabishvili, during a briefing.

According to her, the start of a new wave of repressions is a sign of the government’s weakness.

As Zurabishvili noted, the “Resistance Platform’s” demands remain the calling of parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners.

“I want to reiterate very clearly the joint and agreed-upon position of the ‘Resistance Platform’ regarding elections. This position remains completely unchanged. Our demand is for parliamentary elections, and if we cannot achieve this by October, if they are not scheduled, then joint parliamentary and local elections. This is the only demand, which will not change, along with our second demand: the release of political prisoners.

These elections must not be held under Ivanishvili’s rules, under the control of Ivanishvili and his SS [State Security Service]. To this end, we have prepared a comprehensive document that outlines our positions and demands on how these elections should be and how they should be conducted. How will we achieve elections? We will achieve them through what we see today if we open our eyes: the shaking of this regime, which continues in every way. This applies to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and many other agencies.

The fact that repressions continue and a new wave of repressions is starting is also a sign of this government’s weakness. What is beginning today against the media—the attempt to control every word you say and start banning words—is straight out of Orwell’s book, a new attempt to further restrict society. Meanwhile, this society is fighting today, the protest continues, and they cannot suppress this protest. They will not succeed unless they manage the only real lever the government has: sowing confusion, disappointment, and division in society. This is what we all must fight against together. In other words, unity in standing firm and continuing this fight to the end—and that end is already in sight,” Zurabishvili stated.