Georgia's path to EU hits roadblock as hundreds face arrest in Tbilisi
Mass-arrests sweep through Georgiaʼs capital during pro-EU demonstrations that started last winter. Over 400 people detained while masked groups target opposition members and journalists in series of attacks
Last winter Georgian streets turned into a battle-ground when ruling party Georgian Dream put EU talks on hold til 2028. More than 400 people got arrested during night-time clashes with police (including opposition leaders and regular citizens)
The story of Marina Terishviliʼs family shows how deep this conflict goes — her son Giorgi got arrested last friday‚ facing up to 6 years jail-time. His younger brother died in 92 during post-soviet unrest; now Giorgi joins protests to honor his memory
Pro-EU protesters throw fire-works at police who respond with tear-gas; over 150 officers got hurt. The government found some petrol-bombs in opposition offices but party members say these items were planted. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze calls these places “hot-beds of violence“
Some scary stuff started happening lately — groups of black-dressed guys with masks attack journalists and opposition people. Koba Khabazi an ex-lawmaker got badly beaten inside his party building: security cameras showed 15 men kicking him while he lay on floor
- Over 225 detained people report police abuse
- Around 30 face criminal charges
- Western countries think about sanctions
- Two opposition leaders sit in jail
The ruling party says its trying to keep peace with Russia which controls two break-away regions; but opposition thinks government just wants to stop Georgiaʼs move towards EU integration
