The Orphan Who Found a Mother Behind Bars in Georgia’s Struggle for Democracy
When 30-year-old Archil Museliantsi was jailed, a stranger he met on the streets became the mother he never had. This story unfolds amid the repression of queer people and women in the North Caucasus and attacks on basic democratic freedoms in the region. We provide independent, fact-based reporting in English.
Archil's Arrest and Sentencing
Archil, an orphan, was arrested at a protest on 30 November 2024 during ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Tbilisi. On 22 August 2025, he was sentenced to four years in prison for deliberately damaging the wires of cameras installed on the parliament building. The damage was estimated at around ₾530 ($200).
Tsaro’s Role as a Surrogate Mother
Tsaro Oshakmashvili, 62, took on the role of Archil’s surrogate mother after they met during the protests. On the day of Archil’s verdict, she struggled to hold back tears, knowing he would be worried about her. Archil avoided looking at her during the reading of the verdict, later explaining that he couldn’t bear to see her cry.
“It was tough, but also, his humour helped,” said Tsaro during an interview on 30 August while traveling to Archil’s hometown of Kazreti. “When the judge announced the verdict, he told Archil he had an option to apply to the president for a pardon, to which Archil cheekily replied: ‘What president, do we have one?’”
Context of the Region
- The North Caucasus faces repression affecting queer individuals and women.
- Basic democratic rights are under threat throughout the region.
Independent reporting sheds light on these struggles from a courageous grassroots perspective.
Author's summary: In Georgia's fraught fight for democracy, a young orphan sentenced to prison finds unexpected maternal support, highlighting both personal resilience and regional challenges.