Bassiani Faces Continued Government Scrutiny in Tbilisi, Georgia

For fans of electronic dance music, recent events surrounding Bassiani, a prominent nightclub in Tbilisi, Georgia, may feel unsettlingly familiar. The nightclub’s co-founder, Tato Getia, had his residence raided by police.

According to a statement from Bassiani shared on Instagram, authorities entered Getia’s home early on April 30, with his child present during the incident. The statement revealed that police were “targeting the pregnant wife of Bassiani’s co-founder,” though details regarding their methods were not disclosed.

Getia is affiliated with the Shame Movement, a group that challenges the legitimacy of the ruling Georgia Dream party, which has faced criticism for perceived pro-Russia stances. This movement gained prominence in 2019.

Bassiani’s statement articulated concerns about “anti-democratic amendments to the electoral code” and the government’s tight control over the judiciary, which it claims undermines justice and the potential for free elections. It highlighted the criminalization of dissent directed at government officials and systemic pressure on public servants critical of the regime as indicators of authoritarian governance.

This incident marks another chapter in a series of pressure tactics employed by authorities against Bassiani. In May 2018, the club was raided alongside another venue, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals suspected of drug-related offenses. That event sparked protests in Tbilisi, ultimately leading to the cessation of the investigation into Bassiani.

The statement from the club concludes on an optimistic note, asserting, “We believe this persecution is destined to fail — for our unwavering solidarity has always been our shield, and we’ll forever stand together. In one another, we find our strength and hope. Together we’ve been, and together we’ll remain, until the very last.”