Day: June 21, 2024

On June 20, the U.S. Helsinki Commission held a briefing on “The Proliferation of Russian-Style Foreign Agents Laws,” where experts discussed the emergence of similar laws in Georgia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Kyrgyzstan.

Political analyst Lincoln Mitchell led the discussion on Georgia, emphasizing the importance of Georgian civil society organizations (CSOs). He noted that over Georgia’s 30+ years of independence, NGOs have played a crucial role in government accountability. Mitchell argued that the transparency of Georgian CSOs, which publicly disclose their funding, undermines the justification for restrictive laws.

Mitchell explored possible reasons behind the Georgian Dream (GD) government’s decision to adopt the controversial law despite protests and international criticism. He suggested the motivations could include pressure from Moscow, the upcoming October elections, or a shift away from EU aspirations.

“This law is beneficial for Russia, detrimental to Georgia’s democratic trajectory, its Western aspirations, and the United States,” Mitchell stated. He expressed confusion over GD’s actions, noting their strong election prospects before the law’s passage.

Mitchell also discussed the upcoming Parliamentary elections in October, saying that before the law was reintroduced, there was a widespread sentiment that the Georgian Dream would win the polls. But he questioned, “Why would you prepare or lay the foundation for stealing elections that you were going to win anyway?” He highlighted the electoral divide in Georgia, with GD support coming from older, poorer, and non-English-speaking segments, who are influenced by anti-Western and anti-LGBTQ narratives.

During the Q&A session, experts contrasted Georgian civil society’s active protests against the law with the subdued reactions in Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, and Slovakia. They attributed this to Georgia’s stronger civil society, independent media, and higher English proficiency.

Mitchell addressed the potential effectiveness of U.S. sanctions, suggesting that while sanctions on GD officials could be impactful, those targeting billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili might be less effective due to his wealth. He stressed the need for U.S. foreign policy to support free and fair elections in Georgia without harming the population.

Also read:

• 19/06/2024 – U.S. Ambassador Urges the Government to Reverse Course Promptly to Rebuild Relations

On June 21, the Chinese Embassy in Georgia released a statement deploring the remarks made by U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan about China in her recent interview with a local news-wire. Amb. Dunnigan spoke critically about Georgia’s awarding the contract to construct Anaklia Deep Sea Port to China Communications Construction Company.

“We would like to point out that the assertions of the head of the U.S. Embassy in Georgia, such as ‘China Communications Construction Company is majority owned by the Communist Party of China,’ ‘the CPC and the People’s Republic of China is the number one bankroller and financier of the Russian military today,’ are preposterous and seriously inconsistent with facts,” the Chinese Embassy Spokesperson stated.

The statement also says that the Amb. Dunnigan’s above-mentioned statement “runs counter to the San Francisco vision” established by Chinese and U.S. presidents. “The Chinese side also regrets the fact that the U.S. diplomat showed no professionalism when making a statement,” the statement concludes.

Also read:

• 26/06/24 – People’s Power Attacks Amb. Dunnigan, Says She “Crossed a Red Line”
• 06/06/24 – TI Georgia: Chinese Company with ‘Questionable Reputation’ to Build Anaklia Port
• 25/09/24 – Minister of Economy Announces Sino-Singaporean Consortium Winner in Anaklia Port Selection Competition
• 06/09/23 – Chinese Ambassador Confirms Chinese Interest in Anaklia Port

Former Juventus and AC Milan footballer Roberto Baggio has been injured in an armed robbery at his home in northern Italy, the BBC reports.

The incident began at 22:00 local time (21:00 BST) when at least five people broke into the 57-year-old’s villa in Altavilla Vicentina, local media reported.

The veteran footballer was taken to an emergency room in Arzignano and was treated with stiches to his forehead after one burglar hit him with a gun.

In his first public address since the incident, Baggio thanked well wishers, adding: “Now all that remains is to overcome the fear.”

Baggio added that “fortunately the violence I suffered only caused a few stitches on my person, bruises and a lot of fear.”

Corriere della Sera reported that the violent incident took place while Baggio and his family were watching Italy take on Spain in the European Championships.

Luca Zaia, the president of Veneto region, said all Venetians hope Baggio can recover “from this bad evening”. He described the striker as the “symbolic champion of our football and our region.”

“What happened must be condemned without ifs and buts,” Mr Zaia said, adding that he hopes “the bandits will soon be brought to justice”.

The incident reportedly went on for roughly 40 minutes.

Baggio is said to have tried to stop the burglars, but one of the thieves hit him on the forehead with a gun, the AFP news agency reported.

Shortly after, he and his family were locked in a room while the culprits tore the house apart searching for valuables. It is unclear how much was taken in the robbery.

His family is said to be shaken by the incident in the Veneto region, but not injured.

When the footballer felt it was safe to do so, he broke down the door of the room they were locked in and called the police.