Russian authorities target Droa
Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office declared the Georgian opposition party Droa an "undesirable organisation" after accusing its members of holding "Russophobic positions" and seeking to discredit Russian actions in Georgia. This designation marks the first time Moscow has labeled a Georgian political party as undesirable. The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that Droa focuses on "exposing the ties of the local ruling elite with Russia," dismantling Georgia’s "one-party system," and promoting accelerated integration into the EU. The office also claimed the party opposes the normalization of bilateral relations with Russia in the political, economic, and cultural-humanitarian spheres and demands the reinstatement of a visa regime and the termination of direct air traffic between the two countries. The office also criticized the party for its support of Ukraine and for members describing Abkhazia and South Ossetia as occupied by Russia. Such a designation can expose people involved with such organisations to criminal prosecution in Russia. This ban follows the March 2025 designation of the Belgium-based Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe and its youth wing, European Liberal Youth, as undesirable organisations.
Elene Khoshtaria faces prison sentence
Droa leader Elene Khoshtaria is serving an 18-month sentence in a women’s prison near Rustavi following her detention in October 2025. Prosecutors say she damaged property by writing on an election poster belonging to Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze with a marker. Khoshtaria founded the pro-European political party in 2021. She previously accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of supporting a pro-Russian course in the country. Droa, which joined the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in 2024, responded to the ban by stating, "Abkhazia and Samachablo are Georgia!" and "Ivanishvili’s regime is Russian!" The party also vowed to end the current rule and ensure Georgia joins the EU and NATO. This move follows previous Russian actions against foreign entities in Georgia, including the mid-August designation of a Batumi-based anti-war group as an "undesirable organisation" and the October designation of the Tbilisi-based emigree Russian group Frame as a foreign agent. The emigree group Frame subsequently shut down after receiving this designation. Droa supports democratic governance, European integration, and efforts to counter Russian influence.
