IJAB: Please introduce yourself briefly.
Shorena Vashadze: I am Shorena from Georgia, currently living in the capital but originally from a small mining town. I work in the NGO sector and am actively involved in the ongoing protests.
IJAB: Why are you demonstrating on the streets? And what motivated you personally to take part in the protests?
Shorena Vashadze: I don't think I have any other choice but to demonstrate. My ideas, values and lifestyle all indicate that I have to be part of this process. If I didn't participate, it would be impossible to stay in this country and continue as if nothing were going on. I believe the future of my country and democracy is at stake here, and nothing is more important than fighting for a better future for Georgia. I have been actively involved in all the protests in previous years and will continue my personal struggle for as long as I can.
IJAB: What are the main demands of the young demonstrators?
Shorena Vashadze: I guess that different groups demand different things in terms of what they believe is best for the country. But most of us agree that we want a future where the people are in charge and can decide for themselves. We want a country that is not associated with the Russian regime and which has a functioning democracy. We demand new and fair elections and the release of all political prisoners who were arrested during the demonstrations.
IJAB: How is the government reacting to the protests? Are there attempts to suppress the movement?
Shorena Vashadze: Right now we are living in a police state, and the government is doing its best to suppress the movement. The so-called government of Georgia has adopted legislation that has made the country more dictatorial and ensured the heavy regulation of protests. Since the use of force, such as water cannon and tear gas, has not been effective in suppressing the protests, they are now using fines as a way to intimidate demonstrators. These fines are typically ten times the average salary in Georgia, making it nearly impossible for people to pay without support from donations. We have also seen numerous physical attacks on demonstrators and journalists, as well as police officers making false statements and aiding the regime in imprisoning more and more people.
IJAB: How much support is there among the population for the (pro-European) movement?
Shorena Vashadze: I guess the movement is no longer just pro-European. The entire country is now at a turning point, and we have to fight not only for a European future but for democracy itself. Recent research shows that 82% of the population believes we are in a political crisis, and 77.8% consider Georgian Dream [a conservative populist party – ed.] to be responsible. Meanwhile, 67.1% oppose the statement made by Kobakhidze [Georgia's prime minister – ed.] on November 28, with almost half of the country strongly against it (out of the 67,1%). Nearly 60% support the protests, and out of this number 45% say they strongly support them.
IJAB: Are there young people in Georgia who are still skeptical about moving closer to Europe? If so, why might that be?
Shorena Vashadze: Right now, it's hard to imagine ourselves as part of the EU, as we still have a long way to go. But most of the country dreams of the day when it becomes our reality.
IJAB: What are your hopes and expectations for Georgia in the coming years?
Shorena Vashadze: I want Georgia to be a country where everyone's voice is heard, where people stand in solidarity with one another and have all their basic needs met. A country that is democratic, values individuals, and has communities that empower each other while constantly holding those in power accountable.
IJAB: Thank you.
