Guga Chomakhidze
@gugachomakhidze.bsky.social
Researcher | Europe, Eurasia & Caucasus | Seen in @ForeignPolicy.com, @France24.com, @cepa.org and @bylinetimes.bsky.social
“You are being influenced beyond the level of choice and reason.” — Aldous Huxley, The Mike Wallace Interview (1958)
Honored to speak at the Black Sea Regional Disinformation Conference in Bucharest, Romania, where we discussed Russian disinformation in Georgia.
Honored to speak at the Black Sea Regional Disinformation Conference in Bucharest, Romania, where we discussed Russian disinformation in Georgia.
February 27, 2025 at 5:07 PM
“You are being influenced beyond the level of choice and reason.” — Aldous Huxley, The Mike Wallace Interview (1958)
Honored to speak at the Black Sea Regional Disinformation Conference in Bucharest, Romania, where we discussed Russian disinformation in Georgia.
Honored to speak at the Black Sea Regional Disinformation Conference in Bucharest, Romania, where we discussed Russian disinformation in Georgia.
104 years ago, Soviet 🇷🇺 invaded Georgia, igniting one of the bloodiest chapters of 20th c. 🇬🇪 history. After staging a “people’s uprising” from Armenia, they launched a four-front assault to “support the workers’ struggle.” Stalin vowed to “crush the hydra of nationalism,” killing tens of thousands
February 11, 2025 at 6:07 PM
104 years ago, Soviet 🇷🇺 invaded Georgia, igniting one of the bloodiest chapters of 20th c. 🇬🇪 history. After staging a “people’s uprising” from Armenia, they launched a four-front assault to “support the workers’ struggle.” Stalin vowed to “crush the hydra of nationalism,” killing tens of thousands
🇬🇪 police units swarmed peaceful protesters, launching an unprovoked crackdown. Officers isolated demonstrators, brutally dragging them away in waves—beating them before shoving them in vans. Among those arrested are opposition leaders Nika Melia, Gigi Ugulava and over a dozen more.
February 2, 2025 at 7:50 PM
🇬🇪 police units swarmed peaceful protesters, launching an unprovoked crackdown. Officers isolated demonstrators, brutally dragging them away in waves—beating them before shoving them in vans. Among those arrested are opposition leaders Nika Melia, Gigi Ugulava and over a dozen more.
1/ 🚨 Geo Freedom Fighters in Chains 🚨
We need journalists & human rights NGOs to act. Speak out, issue statements, demand their release. A public outcry can save lives.
If you can write, publish, or amplify stories, step forward. I'll provide research, evidence & support to help you take action.
We need journalists & human rights NGOs to act. Speak out, issue statements, demand their release. A public outcry can save lives.
If you can write, publish, or amplify stories, step forward. I'll provide research, evidence & support to help you take action.
January 30, 2025 at 6:05 PM
1/ 🚨 Geo Freedom Fighters in Chains 🚨
We need journalists & human rights NGOs to act. Speak out, issue statements, demand their release. A public outcry can save lives.
If you can write, publish, or amplify stories, step forward. I'll provide research, evidence & support to help you take action.
We need journalists & human rights NGOs to act. Speak out, issue statements, demand their release. A public outcry can save lives.
If you can write, publish, or amplify stories, step forward. I'll provide research, evidence & support to help you take action.
The regime’s foundation is crumbling before our eyes. The very individuals who have been the loyal enforcers of its oppression are falling like dominoes. Resignations are spreading through key departments—leaders, deputies, and entire units stepping down.
December 5, 2024 at 2:01 PM
The regime’s foundation is crumbling before our eyes. The very individuals who have been the loyal enforcers of its oppression are falling like dominoes. Resignations are spreading through key departments—leaders, deputies, and entire units stepping down.
The oligarch’s propaganda machine is working overtime.
Every Georgian government-affiliated media be like
Every Georgian government-affiliated media be like
December 4, 2024 at 9:26 PM
The oligarch’s propaganda machine is working overtime.
Every Georgian government-affiliated media be like
Every Georgian government-affiliated media be like
Protesters dedicate a heartfelt anthem to the illegitimate GD government and its loyal riot squad
December 4, 2024 at 2:13 PM
Protesters dedicate a heartfelt anthem to the illegitimate GD government and its loyal riot squad
Nothing left to fear.
Glory to Georgia.
1312.
Frontline protesters carry improvised shields adorned with spray-painted slogans, statements, and symbols of resistance.
Glory to Georgia.
1312.
Frontline protesters carry improvised shields adorned with spray-painted slogans, statements, and symbols of resistance.
December 4, 2024 at 11:24 AM
Nothing left to fear.
Glory to Georgia.
1312.
Frontline protesters carry improvised shields adorned with spray-painted slogans, statements, and symbols of resistance.
Glory to Georgia.
1312.
Frontline protesters carry improvised shields adorned with spray-painted slogans, statements, and symbols of resistance.
Day 3: Over 100,000 Georgians defy an illegitimate gov with unyielding resolve. From vibrant cities to quiet towns, they manifest, barricade, and march as one nationwide—undaunted by fines, fabricated charges, beatings, water cannons, and arrests. In 30 years, 🇬🇪 has seen nothing like this
December 1, 2024 at 10:23 PM
Day 3: Over 100,000 Georgians defy an illegitimate gov with unyielding resolve. From vibrant cities to quiet towns, they manifest, barricade, and march as one nationwide—undaunted by fines, fabricated charges, beatings, water cannons, and arrests. In 30 years, 🇬🇪 has seen nothing like this
Georgian Unit Commanders fighting in Ukraine, part of the Military Committee of the "Caucasian Union," declare:
They will "defend the Georgian people (protesters) against any threat, by any means necessary."
They urge Pres. Zourabichvili to establish a National Guard, pledging their full support.
They will "defend the Georgian people (protesters) against any threat, by any means necessary."
They urge Pres. Zourabichvili to establish a National Guard, pledging their full support.
December 1, 2024 at 4:53 PM
Georgian Unit Commanders fighting in Ukraine, part of the Military Committee of the "Caucasian Union," declare:
They will "defend the Georgian people (protesters) against any threat, by any means necessary."
They urge Pres. Zourabichvili to establish a National Guard, pledging their full support.
They will "defend the Georgian people (protesters) against any threat, by any means necessary."
They urge Pres. Zourabichvili to establish a National Guard, pledging their full support.
An ocean of people filled Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi. From every corner of Georgia, people poured in, united in protest. One by one, high-ranking government officials are stepping down and institutions are turning on the gov. Streets echo the voices of hundreds of thousands demanding a new government.
November 30, 2024 at 6:22 PM
An ocean of people filled Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi. From every corner of Georgia, people poured in, united in protest. One by one, high-ranking government officials are stepping down and institutions are turning on the gov. Streets echo the voices of hundreds of thousands demanding a new government.
Protesters in Kutaisi share how they feel about the Kremlin-affiliated Oligarch at the helm of their illegitimate and oppressive government. Spoilers: they’re not quite happy with Bidzina Ivanishvili.
November 30, 2024 at 4:34 PM
Protesters in Kutaisi share how they feel about the Kremlin-affiliated Oligarch at the helm of their illegitimate and oppressive government. Spoilers: they’re not quite happy with Bidzina Ivanishvili.
Surreal and deeply infuriating: a comparison video shows Georgian youth being violently attacked in the streets for exercising their democratic rights, while the illegitimate Geo political elite feasts at a restaurant, singing the national hymn. A stark display of authoritarianism’s many ugly faces.
November 30, 2024 at 4:12 PM
Surreal and deeply infuriating: a comparison video shows Georgian youth being violently attacked in the streets for exercising their democratic rights, while the illegitimate Geo political elite feasts at a restaurant, singing the national hymn. A stark display of authoritarianism’s many ugly faces.
4/ The air in Tbilisi feels electric, charged with both defiance and determination. In the cold of November, the temperature is rising rapidly.
The calls for peaceful revolution are growing louder.
The calls for peaceful revolution are growing louder.
November 30, 2024 at 8:13 AM
4/ The air in Tbilisi feels electric, charged with both defiance and determination. In the cold of November, the temperature is rising rapidly.
The calls for peaceful revolution are growing louder.
The calls for peaceful revolution are growing louder.
3/ This isn’t just any protest. It is a movement supported by a broad cross-section of society. Civil servants, businesses, universities, church clergy, military officers, diplomats—many have openly broken ranks with the government. Even staff from pro-government propaganda outlets are resigning.
November 30, 2024 at 8:13 AM
3/ This isn’t just any protest. It is a movement supported by a broad cross-section of society. Civil servants, businesses, universities, church clergy, military officers, diplomats—many have openly broken ranks with the government. Even staff from pro-government propaganda outlets are resigning.
2/ No one was spared: women, children, journalists—all targets in this campaign of fear.
November 30, 2024 at 8:13 AM
2/ No one was spared: women, children, journalists—all targets in this campaign of fear.
1/ Yesterday in Tbilisi, a peaceful protest was met with a brutal and violent crackdown. Over 100 people were arrested, and thousands endured tear gas, water cannons, and savage beatings. Spetsnaz units didn’t stop there—they hunted down people fleeing the protests, terrorizing them in the streets.
November 30, 2024 at 8:13 AM
1/ Yesterday in Tbilisi, a peaceful protest was met with a brutal and violent crackdown. Over 100 people were arrested, and thousands endured tear gas, water cannons, and savage beatings. Spetsnaz units didn’t stop there—they hunted down people fleeing the protests, terrorizing them in the streets.
1/ A truly genius and hilariously Imerian-Georgian fun fact about the Kutaisi protests:
At first, there weren’t enough people to block the main avenue. The solution? Protesters started casually crossing back and forth at the pedestrian crossing until reinforcements arrived.
At first, there weren’t enough people to block the main avenue. The solution? Protesters started casually crossing back and forth at the pedestrian crossing until reinforcements arrived.
November 29, 2024 at 2:52 PM
1/ A truly genius and hilariously Imerian-Georgian fun fact about the Kutaisi protests:
At first, there weren’t enough people to block the main avenue. The solution? Protesters started casually crossing back and forth at the pedestrian crossing until reinforcements arrived.
At first, there weren’t enough people to block the main avenue. The solution? Protesters started casually crossing back and forth at the pedestrian crossing until reinforcements arrived.
Unprecedented amount of calls for peaceful revolution in 🇬🇪
• 13 trade associations oppose the gov
• 40 Defense Ministry staff resign
• 40 Foreign Affairs staff/diplomats resign
• Universities halt operations or oppose gov
• Businesses are closing down in solidarity with protesters
• 13 trade associations oppose the gov
• 40 Defense Ministry staff resign
• 40 Foreign Affairs staff/diplomats resign
• Universities halt operations or oppose gov
• Businesses are closing down in solidarity with protesters
November 29, 2024 at 1:22 PM
Unprecedented amount of calls for peaceful revolution in 🇬🇪
• 13 trade associations oppose the gov
• 40 Defense Ministry staff resign
• 40 Foreign Affairs staff/diplomats resign
• Universities halt operations or oppose gov
• Businesses are closing down in solidarity with protesters
• 13 trade associations oppose the gov
• 40 Defense Ministry staff resign
• 40 Foreign Affairs staff/diplomats resign
• Universities halt operations or oppose gov
• Businesses are closing down in solidarity with protesters
2/ Their shoulders held the sky suspended;
They stood, and the earth's foundations stay;
What God abandoned, these defended,
And saved the sum of things for pay.
📷 Tbel Abuseridze
They stood, and the earth's foundations stay;
What God abandoned, these defended,
And saved the sum of things for pay.
📷 Tbel Abuseridze
November 29, 2024 at 12:51 PM
2/ Their shoulders held the sky suspended;
They stood, and the earth's foundations stay;
What God abandoned, these defended,
And saved the sum of things for pay.
📷 Tbel Abuseridze
They stood, and the earth's foundations stay;
What God abandoned, these defended,
And saved the sum of things for pay.
📷 Tbel Abuseridze
1/ Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries
By A. E. Housman
These, in the days when heaven was falling,
The hour when earth's foundations fled,
Followed their mercenary calling
And took their wages and are dead.
📷 John Stanmeyer
By A. E. Housman
These, in the days when heaven was falling,
The hour when earth's foundations fled,
Followed their mercenary calling
And took their wages and are dead.
📷 John Stanmeyer
November 29, 2024 at 12:51 PM
1/ Epitaph on an Army of Mercenaries
By A. E. Housman
These, in the days when heaven was falling,
The hour when earth's foundations fled,
Followed their mercenary calling
And took their wages and are dead.
📷 John Stanmeyer
By A. E. Housman
These, in the days when heaven was falling,
The hour when earth's foundations fled,
Followed their mercenary calling
And took their wages and are dead.
📷 John Stanmeyer
Absolutely heartbreaking scenes in Tbilisi: riot police violently crack down on peaceful protesters. Smoke bombs, chemically laced water cannons, beatings, arrests—no tactic is off the table. Yet, the demonstrators persist, chanting "Sa-Kar-tve-lo" (Georgia).
Video © @formulatv.com
Video © @formulatv.com
November 28, 2024 at 11:23 PM
Absolutely heartbreaking scenes in Tbilisi: riot police violently crack down on peaceful protesters. Smoke bombs, chemically laced water cannons, beatings, arrests—no tactic is off the table. Yet, the demonstrators persist, chanting "Sa-Kar-tve-lo" (Georgia).
Video © @formulatv.com
Video © @formulatv.com
A massive crowd has filled Rustaveli Avenue, with simultaneous protests unfolding in several major Georgian cities. Demonstrators have taken over the entire stretch from the Pioneer’s Palace to the First Gymnasium.
November 28, 2024 at 8:03 PM
A massive crowd has filled Rustaveli Avenue, with simultaneous protests unfolding in several major Georgian cities. Demonstrators have taken over the entire stretch from the Pioneer’s Palace to the First Gymnasium.
Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, is filled with protesters right now. Citizens have self-organized in front of the Parliament, rallying in response to Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s announcement about moving Georgia away from its EU integration path.
November 28, 2024 at 7:02 PM
Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi, is filled with protesters right now. Citizens have self-organized in front of the Parliament, rallying in response to Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s announcement about moving Georgia away from its EU integration path.
Georgia’s Yanukovych moment: brought to you by GD.
1. Both distanced their nations from the EU, igniting public outcry.
2. Both justified decisions as "national interest," echoing anti-West rhetoric.
3. Both tethered their countries closer to Russia, undermining Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
1. Both distanced their nations from the EU, igniting public outcry.
2. Both justified decisions as "national interest," echoing anti-West rhetoric.
3. Both tethered their countries closer to Russia, undermining Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
November 28, 2024 at 5:17 PM
Georgia’s Yanukovych moment: brought to you by GD.
1. Both distanced their nations from the EU, igniting public outcry.
2. Both justified decisions as "national interest," echoing anti-West rhetoric.
3. Both tethered their countries closer to Russia, undermining Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
1. Both distanced their nations from the EU, igniting public outcry.
2. Both justified decisions as "national interest," echoing anti-West rhetoric.
3. Both tethered their countries closer to Russia, undermining Euro-Atlantic aspirations.