Georgia

I am a political prisoner in Georgia, and I am dying

Published

2 years ago

April 7, 2023

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I am a political prisoner in Georgia, and I am dying

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Mikheil Saakashvili served as president of the Republic of Georgia from 2004 to 2007 and from to 2008 to 2013.

Since February marked the one-year anniversary of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s maniacal and unprovoked army invasion of Ukraine, Georgia and different international locations within the area have continued sliding towards the Kremlin. Georgia’s democratic regression was once more highlighted with the discharge of the USA State Division’s Human Rights Report, whereas the worldwide menace to democracy was showcased throughout a gathering between Putin and President Xi Jinping of China final month.

On the similar time, nonetheless, folks of Georgia confirmed their dedication to democracy and the struggle in opposition to such tyranny by protesting within the streets in entrance of the parliament constructing in downtown Tbilisi.

The folks of Georgia — who overwhelmingly need to be a part of the European Union and NATO — have been protesting in opposition to a newly promulgated “international brokers” legislation, which might require any group receiving over 20 p.c of their funding from abroad to register, or face prison prices and substantial fines. Analogous to a present Russian legislation, the invoice was focused to limit the work of unbiased journalists and democratic establishments.

This all occurred only some miles from the jail cell the place I battle to remain alive, and the place I, too, proceed to defend democracy in opposition to Putin and his allies. I’m a political prisoner in Georgia — the nation I led as president from 2004 to 2013 and labored laborious to reorient towards democracy and the West.

After simply months in energy, I used to be praised by leaders in Europe and the U.S. for championing democracy and free markets, and ending a interval of de facto management over my nation by organized prison syndicates. In 2005, I used to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by senators Hillary Clinton and John McCain for “having gained in style help for the common values of democracy, particular person liberty and civil rights.”

Feeling threatened by the success of Georgia’s Western-oriented reforms , in August 2008, Putin ordered the invasion of Georgia, ensuing a quick struggle. Fairly than flee, I, like my buddy Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was decided to struggle and stand as much as Putin’s aggression. After the struggle, Russia managed over 20 p.c of Georgia’s territory, which it nonetheless holds right now — the territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia — however I survived and continued to guide till stepping down after my second time period.

I then presided over the primary peaceable switch of energy caused by democratic elections within the area.

At the moment, and for a number of years after the struggle in 2008, I attempted to warn my Western colleagues about Putin’s imperialist ambitions and the menace he posed. However whereas the West expressed much-needed help and solidarity with our trigger, few appeared to take the specter of Putin’s militarism significantly. Apparently, the Kremlin’s ridiculous narrative that my authorities one way or the other provoked the struggle had sewn sufficient doubt for a lot of within the West to persuade themselves that Putin didn’t have broader revanchist goals.

After all, the struggle in Ukraine has laid naked Putin’s true imperialist ambitions to revive the Soviet empire by annexing its previously held territories, however I derive no satisfaction from being confirmed proper. For the person who as soon as threatened to “cling me by the balls” is, undoubtedly, finally accountable for my present predicament.

Georgian Dream, the political social gathering that got here to energy after I stepped down, was established and continues to be run, behind the scenes, by billionaire oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili — a person who made his fortune in Nineties Moscow and is extensively understood to have shut ties with Putin.

And regardless of overwhelming help among the many Georgian folks for EU integration — an estimated 80 p.c help becoming a member of — the Georgian Dream authorities reveals growing solidarity with Russia. Whereas there may be, in fact, official apprehension about being overtly hostile to the Kremlin given the hazard Georgia faces, the overwhelming majority of Georgians help the Ukrainian trigger, which the federal government is trying to suppress.

The struggle in Ukraine has shed a lightweight on Putin’s true imperialist ambitions to revive the Soviet empire | Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Pictures

After I returned to Georgia in October 2021, after eight years in exile, to help free and honest parliamentary elections, I used to be a wholesome, energetic 54-year-old man. I used to be then instantly arrested by Georgian authorities and have been imprisoned ever since primarily based upon rumour and politically motivated prices of “abuse of energy,” which solely the Kremlin and the present Georgian authorities contemplate official.

And in detention, my well being has declined precipitously; I’m now dying.

I’ve been systematically tortured, bodily and psychologically, and there may be at the moment proof of heavy steel poisoning in my physique. I now undergo from a bewildering array of over 20 critical diseases, all of which developed in confinement.

In gentle of all this, in mid-February, the European Parliament issued a decision calling for my launch and, noting Georgia’s democratic backsliding, it handed nonbinding resolutions calling for sanctions in opposition to Ivanishvili. In the meantime, the Georgian Dream authorities continues to mock Western leaders, gleefully overseeing a speedy drift away from a European future for Georgia, as peaceable civilians are crushed and tear gassed for supporting democratic beliefs.

Regardless of Georgia’s deteriorating relations with the U.S., senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin lately visited Tbilisi to satisfy with authorities officers. And whereas the senators’ request to go to me in jail was predictably rejected, I recognize their curiosity in my well being and well-being. I additionally commend present Congressional leaders, reminiscent of representatives Joe Wilson and Steve Cohen and senators Roger Wicker and Ben Cardin, for his or her efforts in opposition to the assaults on Georgia’s strategic partnerships and the jailing of political opponents, in addition to their opposition to Georgia’s international agent legislation — a rebuke to the Georgian folks’s EU and NATO aspirations — and the nation’s speedy democratic decline.

With out the assistance of Congress and the Biden administration, alongside the EU and U.Okay. parliaments, the present authorities will proceed to show a blind eye not solely to democracy however the rule of legislation, and the elemental pillars of human rights will proceed to erode in Georgia.

It’s also more and more obvious that I’ll die quickly if I don’t obtain correct medical care exterior of the nation.

I proceed to name on the U.S. and the worldwide neighborhood to do what they’ll to avoid wasting my life by making use of diplomatic strain on the Georgian authorities, and imposing financial sanctions in opposition to Ivanishvili and his associates.

My loss of life could trigger political chaos in Georgia, however my martyrdom will definitely be thought-about a victory for Putin — a strong image to all leaders on this area, and probably the world, who fail to face as much as Russian imperialism.

If, nonetheless, the U.S. Congress and the Biden administration can work with the EU to safe my launch by means of sanctions, financial embargoes, the suspension of funding and visa restrictions, it is not going to solely be one other blow to Putin, however it would additionally ship a robust sign that the U.S. and Europe stay dedicated to the beliefs of democracy, decency and justice.

Beliefs that President Biden as soon as advised me I may depend on.

*This piece was obtained from Mikheil Saakashvili’s U.S. authorized counsel, Massimo F. D’Angelo.

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Georgia

Season stats for Notre Dame vs Georgia (or why the Irish should be favored)

Published

6 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Press Room

Season stats for Notre Dame vs Georgia (or why the Irish should be favored)

Whatever happened to the old fanshots section? I hadn’t really planned on writing a whole post, just providing a link to an article that summarized all of the reasons ND really should be considered the favorite in the Sugar Bowl. So here I am having to actually write out an entire post. Oh the life…

Georgia entered the season with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from a team fresh off two national championships in the last three years. Ranked #1 and everyone’s favorite pick to three-peat, they kicked things off in dominant fashion by dismantling a supposedly strong Clemson squad in Week 1. The “ESS-EEE-SEE! ESS-EEE-SEE!” chants were deafening. But then came Kentucky.

In a shocking turn, Georgia barely scraped by with a 13-12 win over the Wildcats. Yes, Kentucky. A game marred by an overturned Pick-6 that could have flipped the result and an offense that looked completely adrift, the Bulldogs survived more than they won. And it didn’t get better from there.

The following week in Tuscaloosa, the Dawgs looked shell-shocked from their near miss. Alabama, despite their own issues, came out swinging and stormed to a 28-0 lead before Georgia could even blink. While the Bulldogs managed to put points on the board later, the damage was done, and the Tide rolled on. Looking back now, with Alabama’s glaring flaws becoming more evident, that loss casts an even darker shadow over Georgia’s season.

Then there was the Ole Miss debacle and the marathon against Georgia Tech on Thanksgiving. Four overtimes to beat Georgia Tech is not the stuff of legends—it’s the stuff of memes (and this coming from a Jackets Alumn). These games solidified what was already becoming painfully clear: Georgia is not playing like an elite team this year.

All of this underscores a significant downturn for a program with sky-high expectations. The Bulldogs’ talent pipeline and championship pedigree might keep them competitive, but this season has revealed cracks in their armor. Whether it’s a temporary blip or the beginning of a larger issue remains to be seen, but for now, Georgia’s struggles serve as a reminder that even dynasties can wobble.

Of course, in true SEC fashion, rival fans will have their fun. (Yes, we see you, “Roll Toilets.”) But for Georgia, it’s back to the drawing board—and maybe a long, hard look in the mirror.

Now that I have my official word count, I can get to the link I meant to originally post:

Georgia vs ND Season Stats

I made a comment on a thread recently that the only reason Vegas has UGA as a 1.5 pt favorite right now is simply because of their name. If you look into any major stat, either simple or advanced ND comes out on top in just about every category. Here are a few that really will tell the tale IMO:

Yards per play

Notre Dame: No. 13 overall: 6.64 yards per play.
Georgia: No. 45 overall, No. 8 in the SEC: 6.11 yards per play

Total defense (yards allowed per game)

Notre Dame: No. 8 overall: 295.3 yards allowed
Georgia: No. 35 overall, No. 9 in the SEC: 336.5 yards allowed

Scoring offense

Notre Dame: No. 4 overall: 38.8 points per game
Georgia: No. 29 overall, No. 5 in the SEC: 33.2 points per game

Scoring defense

Notre Dame:No. 3 overall: 13.8 points allowed
Georgia: No. 21 overall, No. 7 in the SEC: 20.4 points allowed

Notre Dame holds clear advantages over Georgia in several key areas, making a strong case for their superiority this season. Offensively, Notre Dame outpaces Georgia by a considerable margin, both in production and efficiency. On defense, while the gap isn’t as pronounced, the Irish still hold a significant edge, with more consistency and impact across all phases.

What truly sets Notre Dame apart, however, is the sheer number and quality of their dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball. Whether it’s explosive skill players on offense or disruptive defenders capable of flipping a game, the Irish roster appears deeper and more versatile. Meanwhile, Georgia is navigating a transition at quarterback with a sophomore at the helm—an undoubtedly talented player but one still finding his footing in the big moments.

It’s worth noting that advanced stats, which we know Hayden will dive into soon, may shed even more light on the nuances of these comparisons. For now, though, the eye test and baseline observations highlight a team in Notre Dame that feels more complete and prepared to execute at an elite level. Just some food for thought as we gear up for the deeper analysis.

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Georgia

Should South Georgia be worried about potential impacts from the Bird Flu?

Published

16 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Should South Georgia be worried about potential impacts from the Bird Flu?

WALB is working to produce video for this story. In the meantime, we encourage you to watch our livestream.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – According to the CDC, H5N1 or Bird Flu, is a virus that originates from wild birds. Both poultry and cows can contract this virus.

Through consumption of dairy products and interactions with infected animals, humans are also at risk for exposure.

“I think that people need to be appropriately concerned. And for most people, that’s going to mean taking precautions if they are engaging in any type of high-risk exposure. So, if they are a dairy or a poultry farm worker, absolutely they need to be taking precautions,” said Dr. Angela Rasmussen, a virologist from the University of Saskatchewan.

The CDC reports that there are 65 confirmed cases of bird flu in the US, so far none in Georgia. But many are at risk for exposure. Experts say those with backyard chickens should wear appropriate personal protective equipment when near those birds.

“When you think about all the various ways that Avian Influenza can spread, the biggest vector usually is wild birds migrating, bringing the disease into an area it wasn’t before. It’s really hard to control that interaction between domesticated birds and wild birds, especially when we want things like cage free eggs,” said Chad Hart, an Agricultural Economist at Iowa State University.

In November, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that over 6 million infected chickens were slaughtered in an attempt to contain the virus from spreading to humans, but recent trends in raw milk consumption have experts worried for those who prefer unpasteurized dairy products.

“I strongly advise people not to drink raw milk. This is not a good way to immunize yourself against H5N1, and it might be a very good way to infect yourself with a massive dose of H5N1 that could lead to severe or fatal disease, and especially in a child,” continued Rasmussen.

Experts say the spread of Bird Flu from one human to another is rare. It’s more likely for an individual to contract the virus through exposure or consumption of infected animals and their by-products. The University of Georgia is currently one of five institutions working with the Food and Drug Administration to test the country’s dairy supply for signs of H5N1.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

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Georgia

Georgia Lottery Mega Millions, Cash 3 results for Dec. 24, 2024

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

The Georgia Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 24, 2024, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

11-14-38-45-46, Mega Ball: 03, Megaplier: 3

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 3 numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

Midday: 2-1-3

Evening: 7-9-7

Night: 3-4-6

Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 4 numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

Midday: 4-5-8-6

Evening: 4-7-0-7

Night: 4-7-9-2

Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

07-23-25-46-57, Cash Ball: 03

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

Early Bird: 03

Matinee: 08

Drive Time: 04

Primetime: 05

Night Owl: 11

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Georgia FIVE numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

Midday: 2-8-4-4-7

Evening: 7-6-6-4-6

Check Georgia FIVE payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Dec. 24 drawing

04-15-25-37-42

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes under $601: Can be claimed at any Georgia Lottery retail location. ALL PRIZES can be claimed by mail to: Georgia Lottery Corporation, P.O. Box 56966, Atlanta, GA 30343.
Prizes over $600: Must be claimed at Georgia Lottery Headquarters or any Georgia Lottery district office or mailed to the Georgia Lottery for payment.

When are the Georgia Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Cash 3 (Midday): 12:29 p.m. ET daily.
Cash 3 (Evening): 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
Cash 3 (Night): 11:34 p.m. ET daily.
Cash 4 (Midday): 12:29 p.m. ET daily.
Cash 4 (Evening): 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
Cash 4 (Night): 11:34 p.m. ET daily.
Cash 4 Life: 9:00 p.m. ET daily.
Cash Pop (Early Bird): 8:00 a.m. ET daily.
Cash Pop (Matinee): 1:00 p.m. ET daily.
Cash Pop (Drive Time): 5:00 p.m. ET daily.
Cash Pop (Primetime): 8:00 p.m. ET daily.
Cash Pop (Night Owl): 11:59 p.m. ET daily.
Georgia FIVE (Midday): 12:29 p.m. ET daily.
Georgia FIVE (Evening): 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
Fantasy 5: 11:34 p.m. ET daily.
Jumbo Bucks Lotto: 11:00 p.m. ET on Monday and Thursday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Georgia editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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