A mother of three leads the demonstration. - Dying to obtain a gratis Georgia.
Dr. Sopo Japaridze (35), a mother of three kids - ages 4, 8, and 14 - and a teacher at Tbilisi's medical university, has been campaigning for a brighter, European future for her children and her nation. Frustrated with the current system, she feels this is her only option.
The root of their grievances stems from what they dub "the Russian law." The Georgian government, spearheaded by Prime Minister Irakli Kobachidse (45), desires to regulate critical organizations and media. If these entities receive over 20% of their funding from abroad, they will be labelled "agents."
For Japaridze, it's more than just a legal matter. "We're determined to secure the freedom and independence of my nation while treading the European path," she says. She's unflinchingly put her life on the line in the face of violence from authorities: "I felt the strong-arm tactics of our regime at play during the protests. Still, I'm not afraid of tear gas or rubber bullets. As a mom, I'm ready to risk my existence so my kids can experience a free, sovereign Georgia."
Heroically, her children Vakhtang (4), Zuka (8), and Vaki (14) are getting involved too, though the accompanying danger worrisome. Japaridze recounts, "It's традиция in my family. My mother demonstrated for Georgian independence from the Soviet Union in 1989, when peaceful protesters were fatally shot by Russian soldiers." Her mom and grandmother still continue this legacy. "My entire family is combatting for a free future - all four generations."
Through their marches, protesters have already garnered two victories. "[Firstly,] the streets brought together people of differing political leanings, age groups, and professions in pursuit of thwarting Georgia's drift towards Russia. Even the uber-oligarch Bidsina Iwanischvili was astounded by the scale of the demonstrations, fueled predominantly by students, workers, and university professors."
Furthermore, their efforts have piqued the interest of the entire world, turning the spotlight on this small nation nestled between Russia and Turkey. "We've experienced an unanticipated international show of support. Many have realized that Iwanischvili is entirely carried away by Putin's policy in Georgia."
Their objectives are clear: eliminate the Russian influence, especially among the younger Georgians. Or else, the exodus resulting from their 4 million citizens reduced to 3 million in just a decade is likely to worsen: "If conditions remain unchanged, more will emigrate."
In search of change, Japaridze and her fellow protesters now seek tangible assistance from the EU: "The oligarchs dread only sanctions. As they propagandize against the West, they vacation and shop there, and dispatch their offspring to study in the West."
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Source: symclub.org
