In late November, following parliamentary elections marred by government-led intimidation and apparent fraud, Georgia’s government suspended efforts to join the European Union. EU and NATO accession is an explicit constitutional requirement for any Georgian government, and the vast majority of Georgians support it. Responding to this betrayal of legal obligations, tens of thousands have taken to the streets to demand the government’s restored constitutional loyalty.

The governing Georgian Dream party hasn’t shown any contrition. On the contrary, it has reacted with wanton brutality in an attempt to put down the protests. Hundreds have been very badly beaten and/or arrested without lawful excuse. The media have also been deliberately targeted by violent gangs which are operating under government direction. Bidzina Ivanishvili is the central villain here.