Russia Accuses US of Plotting Color Revolution' in Georgia Ahead of Elections
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has issued a statement claiming that the United States is preparing to orchestrate a "color revolution" in Georgia ahead of the country's parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26, 2024. This is the second time the SVR has made such an accusation, having previously released a similar statement on July 9, 2024.
According to the SVR, the White House is allegedly dissatisfied with the current political situation in Georgia and is supporting pro-Western Georgian non-governmental organizations in their efforts to monitor the upcoming elections. The Russian intelligence agency claims these NGOs are mobilizing volunteers to document supposed government misuse of administrative resources during the voting process.
The SVR further alleges that these actions are part of a broader strategy, dubbed "Tbilisi Maidan" to publish "evidence of fraud," reject the election results, and ultimately push for a change in government. The agency also warns of potential provocations aimed at forcing law enforcement to use force against protesters, which could then trigger a "ruthless" political and economic response from the United States against the Georgian government.
In its statement, the SVR also speculates that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, is likely to secure strong support in the upcoming elections due to divisions within the opposition, despite alleged American efforts to influence the outcome. The SVR suggests that this potential victory for Georgian Dream could allow the party to pursue a more independent foreign policy, contrary to Western interests.
These accusations are widely seen as part of Russia's ongoing propaganda campaign, which often portrays Western influence in former Soviet states as destabilizing and malicious.
