The adoption of such legislation by “Georgian Dream” is a statement that it has nothing in common with democracy and that this is a step toward authoritarianism, said former head of “Fair Elections,” Nino Dolidze, commenting on the administrative detention of activists and politicians on charges of deliberately obstructing pedestrian movement on sidewalks.

As Nino Dolidze stated during her appearance on “PalitraNews” program “Newsroom of the Day,” detaining individuals on charges of obstructing pedestrian movement on sidewalks is, in her view, a signal from “Georgian Dream” that the ongoing, continuous protests are troubling them.

“Administrative detention for protesting on the sidewalk is absurd. It is unimaginable that such legislation could exist when freedom of speech, expression, and assembly are guaranteed by law. The adoption of such laws by ‘Georgian Dream’ is a statement that it has nothing to do with democracy and that this is a step toward authoritarianism. More than 40 people have already been detained, which also shows that ‘Georgian Dream’ is disturbed by the ongoing, continuous protest. It does not matter how many people participate daily — it is still disturbing for them and confirms that there is a continuing crisis in the country. It is also likely aimed at discouraging participation in the large rally announced for May, so that citizens refrain from attending. Justice in the country is captured, and many judges serve ‘Georgian Dream’ and carry out their instructions. I believe their wish is for citizens to get used to this, but I don’t think anyone will. There is another side as well — part of society that watches propaganda media is not aware of what is happening.

[Regarding the 3-day administrative detention of Alexi Petriashvili] — Alexi Petriashvili was the Minister of Euro-Integration under ‘Georgian Dream,’ and his arrest is a statement. Who are they arresting? A person who actively implemented Georgia’s European integration course? Leaving aside justice, even morality and humanity are crossed when a female student is arrested at her place of study. This shows that ‘Georgian Dream’ has nothing to do with humanity. This is all punishment of people because they are participating in protests,” said Nino Dolidze.

Regarding other issues, Dolidze also commented on possible pardons for detained protesters through the involvement of the Church. According to her, “Christianity is based on humanity and tolerance, and the Church’s appeal in this regard is important.”

“Christianity is based on humanity and tolerance, and I think the Church’s appeal in this direction is important. The role of the Church is also to promote a policy of compassion. We have many innocent people in prison, and I support having as many people as possible released, because the more people are detained, the heavier the burden is for society.

‘Georgian Dream’ presents this as if it is not a problem for them, and we are seeing administrative detentions for simply standing on the sidewalk. I think their approach is: ‘detain as many people as possible.’ This issue is actually very troubling within the party itself. Why did they ban media coverage of court proceedings? Because when trials were covered, people told their stories, including about their innocence, which affected ‘Georgian Dream’ supporters. This is also a problem internationally. In this regard, ‘Georgian Dream’ is not only facing issues because of elections. After the elections, they have taken steps in the field of human rights that have trampled legislation. Now they have no solution and do not know how to act, so they continue an aggressive policy,” said Nino Dolidze.

She also spoke about the opposition alliance’s planned May 26 rally. According to her, large periodic rallies are important so that both protesters and “Georgian Dream” see that resistance has not disappeared. She also said that the process is political, and she welcomes the fact that political parties are leading the rally.

“I will always be where the protection of democracy and human rights is important, so it does not matter who announces the rally. However, this is a political process and it is important that political parties are involved. Holding large rallies periodically is important so that both we and ‘Georgian Dream’ see that resistance and protest have not disappeared. Even if daily protest is not massive, it has not disappeared. No one in Georgia is happy with the current situation, because we are in a crisis both politically and legally, and citizens see this, no matter how much propaganda tries to cover it up. They are also not satisfied with socio-economic conditions. Therefore, I believe it is everyone’s duty to be at the forefront of protest, not only civil society or political parties,” said Nino Dolidze.