In this episode Adam and Alexandra open with some discussion on the latest news, including the release of 14 political prisoners in Belarus, repressions taking place in Azerbaijan, Romania and Georgia.

For the main deep dive, Alexandra and Nina continue on the Georgian theme by speaking with Teona Macharashvili, co-founder and board member of Caucasus Open Space, and a committed pro-democracy activist, to unpack the latest developments in Georgia. Teona shares powerful first-hand insights from the ongoing protests, which have now continued for over 200 days.

In the exclusive bonus segment – available to our Patrons - Teona sheds light on recent cuts to US foreign aid and what they mean for civil society and human rights defenders on the ground in Georgia.

Listen to the bonus content here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/episode-228-132340122

Further reading:

Repression in Azerbaijan - An interview with Cesare FigariBarberis: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/06/24/repression-in-azerbaijan/

The 2024 Georgian elections and their geopolitical implications, Vakhtang Maisaia:

https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/05/05/the-2024-georgian-elections-and-their-geopolitical-implications/

History rhymes: intellectual resistance and state repression in Georgia, Tamar Gamkrelidze:

https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/03/24/history-rhymes-intellectual-resistance-and-state-repression-in-georgia/

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