Leo Pearlman’s Post

Today, a global protest is taking place in more than 300 cities around the world to raise awareness of the situation in Venezuela and increase pressure on international authorities to take action. My social networks today belong to my home country. I don’t ask you for anything. We just want the world to know that Venezuelans are being robbed of their freedom, and tortured and killed if they protest in the country. So, those of us who are outside are the voice of those who have been silenced. As of September 28, 2024, the political situation in Venezuela remains highly volatile and characterized by severe repression and human rights violations. The July 28 presidential election, in which President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner, has been widely disputed. International observers, including the United Nations Electoral Technical Team and the Carter Center, have questioned the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, citing the government’s refusal to release detailed results and conduct independent audits. The aftermath of the elections has seen widespread protests across Venezuela, met with unprecedented levels of state violence and repression. Human rights organizations have documented over 24 killings and more than 2,400 arrests in the context of protests. Many of those detained include children and opposition leaders, with reports of torture, sexual abuse, and arbitrary detentions. A climate of fear persists, with opposition members and activists being targeted through arrests and intimidation. Internationally, there has been a strong response. A coalition of 31 countries, including the United States, Canada, and several European and Latin American nations, issued a joint statement calling for the release of political prisoners and an independent review of the election results. The statement emphasized the need for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to restore democratic institutions in Venezuela. Overall, the political crisis in Venezuela has deepened, with growing calls from both domestic and international actors for greater accountability and respect for human rights in the country. #venezuela #venezuelalibre #YoMeSumo #hastaelfinal

Elected officials in the U.S. have seized on campus protests to accuse their political foes of supporting antisemitism. But for years they have mainstreamed anti-Jewish rhetoric and conspiracy theories—much of it focused on our founder, George Soros, and misrepresenting our work to promote democracy, justice, and human rights. nyti.ms/3WuT8Pb For the record on the current campus protests, we have never and will never pay, coordinate, or train protestors— regardless of the issue. Nor do we advise our grantees on the advocacy tactics they choose to pursue. But we do unapologetically support the right of all citizens to peaceful protest—a bedrock principle of U.S. democracy. https://osf.to/4dywvz9

Two things happened in Michigan on Wednesday evening. First, in the receiving line for Vice President Harris, leaders of the Uncommitted Movement spoke with her briefly and asked her to consider an arms embargo on Israel, and Harris agreed to continue the conversation. Then, in her rally, protestors raised their voices to elevate the issue of Gaza, and Harris told them "if you want Trump to win then say that, otherwise I am speaking." Harris' response to protester's chants in Michigan was, to put it mildly, unfortunate, and a missed opportunity for her to acknowledge the justice and humanity of their pleas. At the same time, the statement issued by her team thereafter (link below), which included both a reference to upholding international law and a subtle but, to this parser of diplomatic wording, fascinating contextualizing qualifier to the standard line on Israel's right to defend itself, while cloaked in more nuance than any of us would like, was encouraging. As the massacre and starvation of Gaza continues, we should be conscious of the changing political context in the U.S. When Biden was running, Gaza protests were directed at a single person who was both the decision-maker empowered to change the policy, and the candidate whose re-election may have hinged on this one issue. Now, Harris is the candidate, and the Democrats are celebrating a moment of sudden and rare party unity. On the current trajectory, though it is still very early, a Democratic Presidential victory suddenly seems not just a roll of the dice, but a distinct possibility. Those of us who are continuing to raise our voices on Gaza must be conscious of this shifting political dynamic and its implications for our leverage and tactics. On the one hand, our calls, including for an immediate ceasefire and an immediate suspension of lethal arms transfers to the IDF, remain appropriately directed to the only person who has the power to address them today: Joe Biden. On the other, we must engage with the new candidates for President and VP, cognizant that they have less power to change the immediate situation, and not having Biden's "track record" on Israel have an even tighter line to walk with the party establishment, the media, and key donors. In that context, we must be unwavering in our demands, but effective in our tactics. Coalition-building in particular remains vital - demonstrating to the candidates that Gaza is not a concern of the few, but of the many, not a focus for some on the perimeter, but a core concern for millions across the rainbow coalition that is the Democratic party. But however we do it, we need to keep Gaza top of mind for the campaign, and do so in a way that incentivizes their continued substantive commitments to change.   NYT article: https://lnkd.in/ekfHDgkc Harris Nat Sec Advisor's Tweet: https://lnkd.in/eYjTQGSG Archived NYT article: https://archive.ph/iWMP8

Quote"Those of us who are continuing to raise our voices on Gaza must be conscious of this shifting political dynamic and its implications for our leverage and tactics. On the one hand, our calls, including for an immediate ceasefire and an immediate suspension of lethal arms transfers to the IDF, remain appropriately directed to the only person who has the power to address them today: Joe Biden. On the other, we must engage with the new candidates for President and VP, cognizant that they have less power to change the immediate situation, and not having Biden's "track record" on Israel have an even tighter line to walk with the party establishment, the media, and key donors. In that context, we must be unwavering in our demands, but effective in our tactics. Coalition-building in particular remains vital - demonstrating to the candidates that Gaza is not a concern of the few, but of the many, not a focus for some on the perimeter, but a core concern for millions across the rainbow coalition that is the Democratic party. But however we do it, we need to keep Gaza top of mind for the campaign, and do so in a way that incentivizes their continued substantive commitments to change. NYT article: https://lnkd.in/ekfHDgkc Harris Nat Sec Advisor's Tweet: https://lnkd.in/eYjTQGSG Archived NYT article: https://archive.ph/iWMP8"

Hussam Ayloush, an elected delegate and past executive board member of the California Democratic Party, acknowledges that Harris has taken “baby steps” toward challenging Biden’s unquestioning support for Israel. He notes that she sat out Netanyahu’s address to Congress (a move that her campaign chalked up to a scheduling conflict); that her remarks after meeting Netanyahu highlighted Palestinians’ suffering and right to freedom and self-determination; and that her choice of Walz over Shapiro signaled her willingness to forgo a staunchly pro-Israel candidate, even if it risked accusations of “caving” to antiwar protesters. “I don’t think these steps have sealed the deal for her” among opponents of Israel’s assault, Ayloush cautions. “But many are noticing that there is an attempt to distance herself from Joe Biden [on Gaza], something that will not be easy for her as Biden’s vice president.” Still, Ayloush warns that Harris will need to articulate “commitments of substance” if she hopes to win over disaffected Democratic voters. Like others, he believes those commitments need to include a vow to stop the flow of deadly weapons to Israel and end “diplomatic cover on the world stage” for Israeli actions. If Harris wins in November, Ayloush says he and others in the Democratic Party intend to hold her accountable on these commitments, including by paying close attention to “who she hires to oversee American policy on Israel.” https://lnkd.in/dnFXqrz8

Dispatch: Georgia faces its most serious democratic crisis as the country's last democratically elected leader, President Salome Zourabichvili, refuses to recognize the election of a pro-Russian successor through a restricted electoral college. Former footballer Mikhail Kavelashvili secured the presidency with 224 votes from a 300-member college - marking the first time in Georgia's modern history without direct universal suffrage. The constitutional reform that enabled this change has been criticized as a move to strengthen the ruling party's control. Thousands of protesters now fill Tbilisi's streets, facing heavily armed police forces. The ruling Georgian Dream party has warned of violence if demonstrations continue, while President Zourabichvili stands with protesters, refusing to leave office until new parliamentary elections are held. https://lnkd.in/d4S96Ywj The situation highlights the growing tension between Georgia's European aspirations and increasing Russian influence, with democratic institutions hanging in the balance.

100% Agree. Although hope is not lost, as we are still hybrid regime. Let me add couple points: I argued elsewhere that: 1. The CSOs of Georgia lost their primary focus and reason and they have been transformed from the advocay entities, when they had direct links with different communities or citizen groups, into analytical think-tanks, locked in offices; 2. Grassroot mobilization, based on the CIB and self-perception / self-awaraness to be a civil society from different communities has been never fermented or been the case; 3. Whoever mobilized last Spring, in 2022 or years before, broadly Gen-Z, claimed to do the job without politicians, therefore they failed themselves. Not otpimistic, but realistic description of reality for me. Any comments are welcome.

This is leadership.

BREAKING: "I am here, I am not going anywhere. At this critical moment, our country needs a legitimate institution that reflects the voice of its people" —President Salome Zurabishvili addressed the nation a day before Oligarch Ivanishvili installs a puppet president. "Today, we face an apparent provocation orchestrated by the mayor of our capital, who has planned to light the Christmas tree at 7 PM tomorrow. This act is not coincidental—it is a calculated move against the backdrop of ongoing protests that have lasted for two weeks, with another large-scale demonstration scheduled for tomorrow. We understand the purpose behind this decision, and I urge parents not to bring their children to this event. I must warn the mayor: this provocation will achieve nothing. Our protests are peaceful and will remain so, regardless of such attempts. Protesters will take every measure to avoid provocation. If the mayor truly wishes to prevent conflict, he should reschedule this event or hold it for example here at Orbeliani Palace. Responsibility for any incidents will rest squarely with those who have organized this act. What we are witnessing is both a provocation and a parody of governance. The unconstitutional actions we see today are not just an affront to the political process—they have turned our state into a farce. This is deeply insulting to us all and is a deliberate attempt to provoke a reaction from the public. But let me be clear: we will not stop. Let the parody remain theirs. The real resistance is happening on our streets and in our cities. Every day, more and more people are joining to express their dissatisfaction. This wave of protest has swept across the entire country—every city, every generation, every profession. Even our diaspora and the public sector, which has long been cautious, have now joined this collective outcry. Despite new laws that seek to turn the public sector into an instrument of political repression, we will not be silenced. You cannot imprison or intimidate an entire nation. No threats, no oppressive measures, no totalitarian tactics will succeed. Georgia stands united. Our people have spoken, and the idea of a European Georgia has brought this nation together. Solidarity, love, and the peaceful expression of a national ideal are what we need and what we are demonstrating today. We demand new elections. This is our call and demand, and there is no peaceful alternative. If anyone truly seeks peace in this country and a way out of the current crisis, the only solution is free and fair elections. I am here for this. I am not going anywhere. At this critical moment, our country needs a legitimate institution that reflects the voice of its people. I am your representative, both in dialogue with the international community and here at home. I will remain here to work with all of you on how we can organize fair elections and restore peace, justice, and a future for Georgia." - Zurabishvili said.

✨🇬🇪 The largest part of Georgian society that dreams of a free, Western-oriented nation is highly disappointed. This frustration reflects a harsh reality. Hopes for a major change in the country’s direction have been crushed, leaving people feeling stuck and hopeless. The opposition is an easy target for criticism. Some blame the opposition for not mobilizing people, while others blame societal apathy - it is often a mix of both. Despite agreeing on key points - rejecting election results, boycotting parliament, and supporting street resistance - they still have not managed to coordinate a common strategy or communicate effectively with the public. However, the opposition, though, is not all-powerful. Its members face the same societal limits and struggles as ordinary citizens. While they may have more experience in politics, they are far from magic and do not have secret solutions. Georgia’s fragmented political culture, rooted in distrust and a lack of social cohesion, has historically prevented the development of strong, unified political parties. The lack of large-scale protests is not just the opposition’s fault or due to societal flaws - it is about a lack of hope. Authoritarian regimes worldwide have become skilled at suppressing protests, and Georgia’s government has adopted similar tactics. Bidzina Ivanishvili correctly predicted that the failure of earlier protests would weaken future demonstrations. Protests, however, are not just about achieving immediate goals. They are a way to stand up for dignity and values. Even unsuccessful protests can have long-term effects. Georgian Dream rejected Georgia’s traditional national project and alienated many citizens and the international community. Both the opposition and society need to rethink their approach. Unrealistic expectations and reliance on a single strategy - street protests - migh be risky. While protests are an important tool, they cannot be the only one. The opposition must focus on reorganizing outside parliament and crafting messages that resonate with a wider audience. #georgia #politics #elections #societalresilience #partypolitics #opposition #authoritarianregimes