 |
. |
Some experts say Patarkatsishvili’s downfall has had other, auxiliary benefits for the government as well — among them, an opportunity to justify the severity of the crackdown that followed the autumn demonstrations. Saakashvili was sharply criticized in the wake of the protests, which ended on November 7 with forceful police dispersal and the imposition of a state of emergency and near-complete media blackout. Now, according to Nodia, the mood has softened. “I wouldn’t say this will fully legitimize the actions undertaken by the government on November 7, but people may be able to better understand them,” he says.
|
