“Sending people to prison for expressing free and differing opinions is Georgian Dream’s new hallmark. They will not break Vakho Sanaia. He will return to his public life very soon and continue exposing this regime,” Giorgi Sioridze, a member of Lelo – Strong Georgia, said in response to the administrative detention of journalist Vakho Sanaia.

According to him, this incident must be reflected in the relevant reports of Georgia’s international partners.

“Sending people to prison for expressing free and differing opinions is Georgian Dream’s new hallmark — one characteristic of the most brutal authoritarian regimes. These regulations are unconstitutional, and their enforcement is disproportionate.

“Vakho Sanaia, specifically, has long been a thorn in the side of the Georgian Dream regime. He has made sharp statements and assessments, and Georgian Dream tried to punish him as an example to others. This is not only an attack on free speech and the media, but also an exemplary case that must be reflected in the relevant reports of Georgia’s international partners.

“They will not break Vakho Sanaia. He will return to his public life very soon and continue exposing this regime,” Giorgi Sioridze said.

For reference, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced journalist Vakho Sanaia to 14 days of administrative detention over a social media post concerning Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and MP Vladimir Bozhadze.

Journalist Vakho Sanaia was detained near his home.