Georgian opposition leader Nika Gvaramia was forcibly removed from his party office by police in Tbilisi amid escalating tensions following pro-EU protests. Other opposition leaders have also faced physical attacks after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze vowed to hold protest organizers accountable for what he termed “violent actions.”
The protests began after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension of EU accession talks. This move, coupled with concerns over increasingly authoritarian policies, has fueled public outcry. Demonstrations, ongoing since last Thursday, have led to over 330 arrests, with rights groups reporting police brutality and torture against detainees.
Gvaramia, a leader in the Coalition for Change, warned of imminent raids on opposition headquarters shortly before his arrest. He described the protests as essential to prevent Georgia from becoming a “puppet territory” under Russian influence.
Opposition leaders meeting at a Tbilisi hotel called for a general strike to intensify resistance, but some were detained by police as they left. Notable figures, including Zurabi Datunashvili, a world champion wrestler, and activists from various groups, were among those arrested.
Authorities also targeted anti-government activists, raiding homes linked to social media movements supporting detained protesters. Gvaramia, previously jailed for politically motivated charges, was moved between detention centers following his arrest.
The government’s crackdown has drawn international criticism, with Amnesty International previously condemning actions against Gvaramia as politically motivated. Georgian Dream has faced resignations from diplomats and officials, signaling internal discontent.
Meanwhile, protests continue against what opposition figures call a “campaign of terror” undermining democracy, free speech, and Georgia’s European aspirations.
