Georgia’s Ministry of Justice has recently made the decision to liquidate the registration of the political party “Conservative Movement/Alt-Info”, which has been labeled as pro-Russian by local media outlets. This move has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
The decision to liquidate the registration of “Conservative Movement/Alt-Info” was made by the Ministry of Justice on the grounds that the party has failed to comply with the requirements set by the Law on Political Associations of Citizens. According to the ministry, the party has not provided the necessary documents and information for registration, and has also failed to pay the required registration fee.
The party, however, has denied these allegations and has accused the Ministry of Justice of being politically motivated in their decision. They claim that their registration was rejected due to their pro-Russian stance, which goes against the current government’s pro-Western policies.
This move by the Ministry of Justice has been met with criticism from various political parties and civil society organizations. They have expressed concerns that this decision sets a dangerous precedent for the country’s democracy and could lead to further restrictions on political parties and civil society.
The “Conservative Movement/Alt-Info” has been a controversial party since its establishment in 2016. It has been known for its conservative and nationalist views, as well as its pro-Russian stance. The party has been vocal about its support for closer ties with Russia and has been critical of Georgia’s pro-Western foreign policy.
The party’s leader, Giorgi Lomia, has been a vocal critic of the current government and has accused them of being puppets of the West. He has also been a strong advocate for closer ties with Russia, citing historical and cultural ties between the two countries.
The decision to liquidate the party’s registration has raised concerns about the state of democracy in Georgia. Many see this move as a way for the government to silence opposition and limit political diversity. The country has been praised for its democratic progress in recent years, but this decision has raised doubts about the government’s commitment to democracy and freedom of expression.
The Ministry of Justice has defended its decision, stating that it was made in accordance with the law and was not politically motivated. They have also emphasized that the party can still operate as a political movement, but will not have the same rights and privileges as a registered political party.
The international community has also expressed concerns about this decision. The European Union’s delegation to Georgia has stated that they are closely following the situation and have urged the government to ensure that the decision was made in accordance with the country’s laws and international standards.
This move by the Ministry of Justice has also been criticized by Russia. The Russian Foreign Ministry has called it a violation of the rights of the Russian-speaking minority in Georgia and has accused the government of suppressing political opponents.
In response to the criticism, the Ministry of Justice has stated that the decision was made to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of political parties in the country. They have also emphasized that the party can reapply for registration if they fulfill the necessary requirements.
Despite the controversy surrounding the liquidation of the party’s registration, it is important to note that this decision was made in accordance with the country’s laws. However, it is also crucial for the government to ensure that this move does not set a precedent for restricting political diversity and silencing opposition voices.
In conclusion, the decision by Georgia’s Ministry of Justice to liquidate the registration of “Conservative Movement/Alt-Info” has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country. While the government has stated that the decision was made in accordance with the law, it is important for them to ensure that this move does not restrict political diversity and freedom of expression. The international community will continue to monitor the situation and urge the government to uphold democratic principles and values.