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The influential pro-government Georgian television channel Imedi TV has claimed that prominent Czech activist Igor Blaževič is planning a “revolutionary scenario” in collaboration with representatives of the Georgian opposition. Imedi further reported that the State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) is “already aware of the planned unrest currently in development” and is “initiating a legal response.”
The broadcaster stated that “open-source information indicates that Blaževič is currently associated with the Prague Civil Society Centre” — indeed, he is listed as a “senior adviser” on the organization’s website.
The Prague Civil Society Centre “works to support and empower activists, journalists, and thinkers in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. We provide them with the necessary support to promote more open, accountable, and democratic societies,” according to the description on its website.
The organization provides grants to media outlets and civil society institutions, and also hosts events.
For his part, Blaževič has founded and worked with several human rights organizations, including One World — the EU’s largest human rights film festival. He has also personally participated in numerous humanitarian missions worldwide.
Imedi reports that “Blaževič recently conducted training sessions for opposition representatives, bringing their total number to over 10. These meetings involve the dissemination of specific instructions.”
The report did not specify exactly what kind of “instructions” he allegedly provided.
“The report also claims that it was Blaževič who instructed the opposition-leaning TV channel TV Pirveli to spread unverified reports about possible changes in government,” the channel added.
Representatives of Georgian Dream (the ruling party) have already responded to these allegations: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze stated that “we should not be surprised.”
“We know the attitude toward Georgia — for many years, significant funds have been directed toward organizing a coup from abroad, creating confrontation in society, and deepening polarization […] We have seen many attempts at revolution; however, the majority of our citizens clearly understand the processes taking place, who the real enemy of our country is, and what interests are at play regarding Georgia.”
At the time of publication, neither Blaževič nor the Prague Civil Society Centre had publicly commented on these allegations.
Both Imedi and representatives of the ruling Georgian Dream party have repeatedly accused foreign states and the domestic opposition of conspiring to organize a revolution in the country over the past several years.