NGOs: The arrest of opposition leaders directly indicate that the ruling regime has finally chosen the path of authoritarianism - more than 60 people are prisoners of conscience

Some NGOs say the arrest of opposition leaders is another step towards dictatorship. As they said in a joint statement, the ruling regime in Georgia has finally chosen the path of authoritarianism.

“We echo the facts of the arrest of opposition leaders, which directly indicate that the ruling regime in Georgia has finally chosen the path of authoritarianism. Today, more than 60 people are prisoners of conscience. Courts, the prosecutor's office and other state institutions have turned into political instruments of the ruling party. There is a deliberate persecution of civil society and restrictions on media freedom. Ivanishvili has chosen to maintain power through dictatorship, and fundamental human rights are violated every day. This is not a problem of one group - it is a threat to every citizen. Tomorrow, anyone can become a victim of repression. Citizens of Georgia, we will not give up! Georgia will not become Russia! A firm and united response to repression is needed. The democratic world sees our struggle and expresses solidarity with us. Now, more than ever, it is necessary to stand by each other, act and protest. We are not alone in this fight and we must win this fight together!”, - reads the joint statement issued by non-governmental organizations.

The statement is signed by the following non-governmental organizations: Transparency International Georgia, Economic Policy Research Center, Civil Movement for Freedom, Sapari, Civil Society Foundation, Prevention for Progress, Cactus Media Platform, Europe-Georgia Institute (EGI), Kvemo Kartli Women's Association "Women and the World", My Imereti, Human Rights Center, EECMD, Democracy Research Institute (DRI), Georgian Courtwatch, Gori Art House - Gori Photographers' Club, Phoenix 2009, ENPUD, Defenders of Democracy, Europe Foundation, European Orbit of Georgia, Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI), Georgian Psychosocial Assistance Association "Trust", Association "Women for Regional Development", Public Art Platform, International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims GCRT, Alternative Georgia, Rights Georgia, "National Network for Protection from Violence, Georgian Future Academy, Green Alternative, Women's Initiatives Support Group, Center for Media, Information and Social Research, Partnership for Human Rights, Center for Social Justice, Center for Regional Initiatives "Bright Future", Alliance of Women with Disabilities.