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No leader of the former Soviet republics has been more pro-Western than President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia. He moves easily in Washington and dreams of bringing his country into full NATO membership. But his government’s handling of prisons and its approach to parliamentary elections set for Monday are raising doubts about his commitment to democracy and reform.
Critics both inside Georgia and internationally have increasingly faulted Mr. Saakashvili for persecuting opponents, pressuring the courts and stifling the news media. In June, the National Democratic Institute reported on a growing political polarization and a rise in hate speech in the country.
