Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, over 100,000 Russians fled to Georgia in search of freedom and democracy. However, the influence of the Kremlin began to infiltrate Georgia, leading to increased repression and the adoption of laws resembling those in Russia. Human-rights advocate Stanislav Dmitriyevsky, who faced persecution in Russia, sought asylum in Georgia but saw his application denied, reflecting a troubling trend where the country has turned away asylum seekers. Initially welcoming, Georgia's stance towards Russian refugees has deteriorated, mirroring the authoritarianism they escaped.
"Repressive laws that Georgia adopts are copied from the Kremlin's, and Moscow's brand of oppression is catching up with Russian exiles," said human-rights activist Stanislav Dmitriyevsky.
In the first days of the war, Georgia mostly welcomed Russian refugees, but then it started closing itself off, culminating in interrogations and deportations.
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