Georgian opposition chief's dramatic arrest sparks new wave of pro-EU street action
Police detained key opposition figure in Tbilisi during week-long demonstrations against halted EU talks. Mass arrests and protests highlight growing divide between government and pro-European movement
In a shock-development last tuesday‚ Nika Gvaramia leader of Coalition for Change was carried unconscious by police in Tbilisi (marking a new phase in Georgiaʼs political stand-off)
The arrest happened during week-long pro-EU demonstrations that started when government stopped European Union membership talks — a step that made many citizens angry. Police used water-cannons to stop crowds; while opposition leaders claim law-enforcement used too-much force
Several other key figures got arrested including Aleko Elisashvili from Strong Georgia party and youth movement leaders. Interior Ministry said they found some items in suspects homes:
- air-rifles
- fire-works
- make-shift explosives
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended police actions saying its not repression but prevention. A high-ranking riot police official quit his job posting EU and Georgian flags on social-media
My urgent call to our partners; it is time to put strong pressure on a ruling party that is driving the country over the cliff
Volodymyr Zelenskiy called Georgian governments actions shameful saying they push country towards Russia. The ruling party denies these claims but keeps fighting with Ukraine since early-2022 saying Georgian fighters there want to start revolution at home
