Alumni of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the London Business School (LBS) in Georgia have issued a strong public statement condemning the recent arrests of civil society activists and opposition figures, including Badri Japaridze, an LSE graduate.
Calling the detentions “politically motivated persecution” and “entirely incompatible with democratic norms,” the signatories emphasized that such actions severely damage the country’s democratic foundations and social well-being.
“The persecution of political opponents and independent voices — the existence of prisoners of conscience in our country — directly threatens the future of our homeland, as well as the freedom and well-being of every citizen of Georgia,” the statement reads.
Expressing unwavering solidarity with imprisoned opposition leaders and civil activists, the group demanded the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience and those detained for expressing their views.
The statement was signed by over 40 Georgian alumni of LSE and LBS, including prominent figures such as Levan Jugeli, Ekaterine Machavariani, Kakha Kojoridze, and Otar Sherozia.
“Our solidarity with the opposition leaders and with all prisoners of conscience who have been imprisoned for their views is unwavering. We demand the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience and those persecuted for truth,” they declared.
The statement adds to growing domestic and international condemnation of Georgia’s recent political crackdowns.
