Support Erekle & others in Defending Democracy in Georgia

Hi there, we need your support in defending Georgia and democracy against the Russian style authoritarianism.

Since November 28, 2024, I have been protesting against the Georgian Dream Party's decision to ignore Constitution, stop negotiations for the EU aspiration and disregard democratic values.

The more we protest, the more they move against the Georgian constitution and overlook the basic principles of democracy, rule of law, human rights and freedom of expression

I have received four separate fines for "artificially" blocking Rustaveli Avenue on Jan. 8, Jan 9, Feb 13 and March 5 (total amounting to around 6,600 EUR).

I already had the first court hearing on Jan. 22 and the decision was announced on Feb 21.

In the files presented by Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), it was noted that I blocked Rustaveli Ave artificially at 8:50 PM on January 9. The only "evidence" (videos and pictures) they have of me is from 9:17 PM (27 minute delay).

Even though they don’t have any evidence of my whereabouts at 8:50, and even though the police said it was ok for people to move on the road, and even though they don’t have evidence proving that there were not enough people at 9:17 PM, I was still issued a 5,000 GEL or 1700 EUR fine. I will appeal, but this will not change the deadline for the payment.

I had another court hearing on March 10 and similarly, I was fined by another 5,000 GEL (1700 EUR) fine.

Since February, the regime changed the rules to facilitate issuance of these fines. They have removed the Court and now the Police directly sends a fine to your address. I have been issued such fine for February 13 and March 5.

I should also note that the 5,000 GEL fine came in effect on December 30th, 2024, after December mass protests. Many consider it to be un-proportional, repressive and unconstitutional– the opinion which I also share.

Before that date, the fine amounted to 500 GEL (10 times less). For context, I work at the Parliament of Georgia and my monthly salary is around 3,000 GEL (1,000 EUR). Many of the demonstrators do not have that much monthly remuneration, yet they face multiple 5,000 GEL (1700 EUR) fines for practicing their right - peacefully standing and protesting in front of the Parliament.

We count on your generous donations. Let us protect democracy together, everywhere!

P.S. The raised funds will reimburse the Funds set up in Georgia, which pay for these kind of fines.

Google Link of the documents on my cases are here; Mostly in Georgian for now