1/2 The Constit Court of 🇦🇲, in its Decision dated Sept 26, 2024, noted that the reference to the Declaration of Independence in the preamble part of the Constit pertains exclusively to those provisions of the declaration that have been enshrined in the articles of the Constit.
— Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) December 10, 2024
Day: December 10, 2024
2/2 No provision of the RA Constitution contains any territorial claim against our neighbors.https://t.co/gk23M1Nvbd
— Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) December 10, 2024
1/2 The Constit Court of 🇦🇲, in its Decision dated Sept 26, 2024, noted that the reference to the Declaration of Independence in the preamble part of the Constit pertains exclusively to those provisions of the declaration that have been enshrined in the articles of the Constit.
— Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) December 10, 2024
The past year in Georgia has been marked by an unprecedented number of physical and verbal attacks on the opposition, CSOs and media representatives, and activists. The ruling Georgian Dream party has subjected the active part of the Georgian society to systematic repression, carried out both by official state bodies and by thugs, who attack activists not only during the violent dispersal of rallies, but also during the day, in their homes and offices.
Repression intensified after what local observers described as rigged parliamentary elections on 26 October, and became even more brutal after popular protests began following Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement on November 28 that the government would halt EU accession negotiations until 2028.
According to our count, at least 11 members of the opposition have been beaten this year; there are multiple reports of attacks on activists, and the exact number is unknown. The Public Defender reports that at least 85% of those detained from November 28 to December 6 were physically abused.
The Public Defender’s Office has described the actions of the riot police as ‘acts of torture’, while the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA has stated that the systematic and violent repression of the civilian population should be considered a crime against humanity, which may be grounds for an application to the International Criminal Court. Human rights observers said that the police’s inhuman and degrading treatment of the demonstrators is criminal in nature and amounts to torture.
According to Transparency International Georgia, from November 28 to December 6, more than 400 people were arrested – more than 350 people on administrative charges and 26 people on criminal charges. Of these, more than 300 reported being physically assaulted and/or tortured. More than 80 detainees have been hospitalized. Of the detainees, 7 are foreigners. Punished policemen – 0.
Based on the official statistics from the Minister of Internal Affairs, from November 28 to December 8, more than 30 individuals were detained on criminal charges. 372 were detained on administrative charges, of which 62 have already been subject to administrative imprisonment. More than 100 people were fined.
Based on Mediachecker’s count, from November 28 to December 6, during the pro-EU protests, more than 80 incidents of interference with the journalists’ professional duties were reported. Several journalists, including Guram Rogava, Lekso Keshelashvili, Mariam Gaprindashvili, Maka Chikhladze, and Giorgi Shetsiruli, were subjected to targeted physical assault by either riot police or thugs, requiring medical assistance and surgery. In numerous cases, journalists were verbally abused by riot police, and some of their equipment was damaged or confiscated.
We have created this blog to keep you updated on cases of intimidation, violence, and threats.
December 10
MIA detained 1 Person (V.T.), for group violence. The crime carries a potential sentence of up to 6 years of imprisonment. that the accused participated in group violence during the ongoing actions on Rustaveli Avenue, did not obey law enforcement officers, and threw various objects in their direction. The case is being investigated under Article 225, Part 2 of the Criminal Code.
Doctor Giorgi Akhobadze has been remanded in custody on drug-related charges. The decision was made by Tbilisi City Court Judge Lela Maridashvili during today’s hearing. The prosecutor Shmagi Gobejishvili alleged that Akhobadze illegally acquired over 3 grams of “alpha PVP” and claimed there are risks of him committing new crimes, destroying evidence, or fleeing. Akhobadze was arrested on December 7 following a protest on Rustaveli Avenue. He is charged under Criminal Code Article 260, Part 6 for illegal drug acquisition and possession, which carries a potential sentence of 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment. The judge, Lela Maridashvili rejected the defense side’s proposed bail of 30,000 GEL and political figures (including Zurab Japaridze) offers as guarantors. The defense, represented by lawyer Lasha Tsutskiridze, contested the charges, claiming the arrest warrant and detention protocol are illegal and lack video evidence. Akhobadze denies the charges and is on a hunger strike. Akhobadze suggests his arrest is politically motivated, connected to his civil and political activism.
Nona Kurdovanidze, the Chairperson of GYLA, stated that the NGOs’ hotline received calls last night in Tbilisi, reporting the possible detention of 10 people. Among them, one person is reported to have been detained on criminal charges.
December 9
The Adjara Police Department of the MIA arrested five people for group violence in Batumi. They face 2 years in prison for violating the first part of Article 126 prima of the Criminal Code. According to the police, during the December 3 protest, a group of demonstrators entered the Batumi University of Arts to hang a banner near the rector’s office, but were prevented from doing so by a lecturer at the same university. As a result, the dean of the same university verbally abused the lecturer. The investigation also revealed that the dean and his students later physically assaulted the lecturer’s wife and her friend in the university building.
The Tbilisi City Court sentenced 18-year-old activist Sandro Kinkladze to 12 days in prison for disobeying police orders. He was arrested on December 8 on the street after visiting a friend. According to him, some of the police who arrested him weren’t wearing uniforms.
Zviad Ratiani was released from the temporary detention facility after serving an 8-day sentence. He was charged by Tbilisi City Court under articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Offences Code of Georgia, which refers to petty hooliganism and disobedience to police officers.
Saba Chankvetadze, a peaceful demonstrator who was arrested on December 2 and beaten so severely that he had to be taken to a medical center for treatment, was fined 2200 GEL for petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobeying a lawful order (Article 172). Another demonstrator, Luka Kotiashvili, was also subjected to police brutality, beaten in a police car, resulting in serious head injuries, got fined 2000 GEL on administrative charges of disobeying lawful orders.
Police in Adjara have arrested five individuals in connection with a group violence incident at the Batumi Arts University on December 3, following the pro-EU protests. According to the Interior Ministry, the detainees attempted to hang a banner near the rector’s office, which led to a series of confrontations involving university staff and students. All five suspects were detained based on a court warrant. The ages of the detained range from 19 to 45 years old. The investigation is ongoing under the Criminal Code’s article related to group violence, with potential prison sentences of up to two years.
December 8
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze held a briefing and announced the official numbers of detainees. Darakhvelidze said that 372 individuals have been detained under the Administrative Offences Code of Georgia and legal proceedings have been initiated, of which 62 individuals have already been subjected to administrative imprisonment.
“From November 28 until today, more than 30 individuals have been identified and prosecuted under the criminal code of Georgia”
Administrative fines have been imposed on more than 100 individuals as a form of punishment. “Court hearings are actively continuing for the remaining individuals” – he added.
A Tbilisi City Court judge has ordered pretrial detention for activist Revaz Kiknadze. He has been on a hunger strike for three days and required medical aid during the process hearing. He is accused of organizing, leading, and participating in group violence. According to Kiknadze’s lawyer, police officers attempted to coerce him into giving false testimony. “He was taken to Lisi [Lake] and assaulted there. In his words, the police officers have threatened him by saying: ‘We’ll bring a tractor, dig a hole, and bury you here. Tell us everything and name the people involved. We know you were being paid 500 GEL daily”. The activist detained on December 6 for his participation in pro-EU demonstrations, handed over a letter from the detention center stating that he is being forced to testify in court that he received money and orders from opposition leaders Zurab Japardze, Elene Khoshtaria, Nika Gvaramia, and others, which he refused to do.
“Giorgi Akhobadze, who was detained during the protest, has begun a hunger strike. This information was shared by Zurab Japaridze, one of the leader of the “Coalition for Change”. According to his information, Giorgi Akhobadze claims that drugs were planted on him, which is why he declared a hunger strike in protest. According to the available information, Giorgi Akhobadze has been arrested under Article 260 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which refers to the “illegal manufacture, production, purchase, storage, transport, transfer or sale of drugs, their analogs, precursors or new psychoactive substances” and carries a prison sentence of 8 to 20 years.
Tbilisi City Court held a hearing for detainees, among which were the participants of Public Broadcaster of Georgia’s project, “Bookshelf”. The Judge released Nika Beridze and Tengo Svanidze with a verbal warning, while Sandro Metreveli was fined 2,300 GEL. Nika Beridze recalled the moment of his detention with IPN, stating that: “I was standing on the sidewalk when, without any warning, about 10 individuals approached us quickly. Their aim was to detain someone. I did nothing wrong”. He also added: “The police presented testimonies that were inconsistent with each other. As a result, the judge released me from the courtroom with a verbal warning”.
Nino Lominadze, the lawyer of another detainee, Sandro Metreveli, stated that he had injuries and was being “physically assaulted during the arrest”. As she said, Metreveli is accused of “resisting police and committing petty hooliganism”.
On December 7, the journalist and TV presenter of Mtavari Arkhi, Beka Korshia was detained on felony charges. One day later, the Tbilisi City Court fined him 2,200 GEL. Korshia recalled his detention process, stating: “The police officer confirmed in court that he recognized me, and that was ultimately the reason he decided to detain me. Mostly, the discussion revolved around my reports — why I was doing them, why I called this person, or why I called that person”.
December 7
In another case of targeted violence on journalists and the opposition took place, titushky (government-paid thugs) raided the office of the opposition Coalition of Change alliance on Besiki Street and beat up its members – Koba Khabazi and Data Petridis.
The titushky attacked TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze and a cameraman, Giorgi Shetsiruli on Besiki street, adjacent to Rustaveli avenue. The witnesses say the patrol police who were nearby, had no reaction to the violent attack, and left together with titushky. The footage taken minutes before the incident shows smooth coordination between the police and titushky as they apparently discuss the course of action, with police cars blocking the way into the street while giving way to titushky to enter freely.
Tbilisi City Judge Tamar Mchedlishvlii sentenced actor Andro Chichinadze, comedian Onise Tskhadadze, Zviad Tsetskhladze, Andro Chichinadze, Jano Archaia, Luka Jabua, Guram Mirtskhulava, Ruslan Sivakov to two months’ pre-trial detention, was followed by a protest by actors who gathered near the City Court building.
December 6
Tbilisi City Court Judge Lela Maridashvili sentenced Saba Skhvitaridze, a member of the opposition Coalition for Change, to pre-trial detention. Skhvitaridze is charged with the second part of Article 353, which refers to harming the health of a police officer during his official duties. The next hearing in the case will be held on January 28. During the trial, Saba Skhvitaridze stated that he had been abducted and tortured. According to him, during the arrest the police did not even explain to him why they were detaining him, but simply handed him over to an unknown operational group in the Gori region.
Tbilisi City Court Judge Irakli Khuskivadze sentenced eight members of the Dafioni organization to pre-trial detention on charges of organizing, leading and participating in group violence. The detainees are: Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vasil Kadzelashvili, Vepkhia Kasradze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliyev, Tornike Goshadze and Giorgi Giorgadze.
Three of the defendants – Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vepkhia Kasradze, and Vasil Kadzelashvili – are accused of organizing and directing group violence. They face 6 to 9 years in prison.
Five of the defendants – Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliyev, Tornike Goshadze, and Giorgi Giorgadze – are accused of participating in group violence. They face between 4 and 6 years in prison.
Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, was sentenced to two months in pre-trial detention by Tbilisi City Court Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili. Aleko Elisashvili is charged under Article 156, Part 2, Subparagraph “a” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which provides for up to three years’ imprisonment.
Nika Gvaramia, one of the leaders of the opposition alliance Coalition for Change, was sentenced to twelve days’ imprisonment after being charged with violations of Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, including petty hooliganism and disobeying a lawful order of a police officer.
The case took a dramatic turn when Gvaramia was unexpectedly transferred from Marneuli Detention Center to Tbilisi City Court without prior notification to his lawyer or family. Following his request for legal representation, the judge called for a break. Gvaramia’s lawyers subsequently requested a postponement of the trial, arguing that they had not been given access to the court records, which had reportedly been provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs hour before the trial. Despite these concerns about the fairness of the trial, it went ahead.
Gela Khasaia, a member of the Coalition for Change opposition alliance, who was arrested on 4 December during a police raid in the office of the opposition party Droa, has been released on parole.
Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of ‘Strong Georgia’, has been transferred back to Dusheti detention facility after receiving ambulatory treatment at Vivamed clinic, the hospital confirmed to IPN. His lawyer, Giorgi Rekhviashvili, awaits a court hearing on preventive measures, expected later today. Elisashvili was detained on December 4 near Courtyard Marriott following an opposition meeting, in connection with alleged violence against Ali Babaev, chairman of the National Congress of Azerbaijanis in Georgia.
December 5
Police arrests a 15-year old demonstrator during the protest in Kutaisi. A video footage depicts him lying on the ground and semi-conscious after a confrontation between police and protesters. Other protesters can be heard accusing the police of using violence against a “kid”.
One of the leaders of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, Aleko Elisashvili, has been transferred from the Dusheti detention center to the Vivamedi clinic for medical examination. The press service of the coalition told Interpressnews that Elisashvili has injuries on his face and may have a broken rib. He was physically assulted and arrested yesterday, the Prosecutor charged him for political discrimination today.
Police has detained actor Andro Chichinadze and comedian Onise Tskhadadze. The details about why they have been detained are unknown. Both of them have been actively protesting against the government’s u-turn from the EU path.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has charged one of the leaders of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, Aleko Elisashvili, with political discrimination against Ali Babaevi, the chairman of the Georgian-Azerbaijani National Congress and one of the founders of the ruling Georgian Dream party. The Prosecutor said Elisashvili verbally and physically assaulted Babaevi on December 2. He is charged with violating the second part of Article 156 (a) of the Criminal Code (persecution of a person in connection with political activity, committed by violence) and faces up to 3 years in prison.
Nana Malashkhia, one of the leaders of the opposition Coalition for Change party was fined 500 GEL [USD 176] for blocking the road during protests near Tbilisi State University on 19 November.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has arrested three individuals, including a 20-year-old, on charges of organizing and directing violent group activities against police officers under the Georgian Criminal Code; the 20-year-old is accused of systematic violence against police officers, while two others, aged 25 and 31, have been charged with assaulting police officers under Article 353 Prima. These offences carry a penalty of up to 9 years’ imprisonment. The MIA is investigating various criminal acts committed by “violent groups” during ongoing protests, leading to the arrest of 9 individuals under Articles 187(Damage or destruction of property) and 353 Prima (Attacking a police officer, employee of the Special Penitentiary Service or other representative of authority or a public institution) and 8 more under Articles 225 (Organization, management or participation in group violence) and Article 239 (Hooliganism).One individual has also been arrested for preparing an explosion.
On December 5, Tbilisi police department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said it arrested an individual, S.J., born in 2006, on charges of assaulting a police officer. The crime carries a penalty of up to 7 years of imprisonment.
The police reports that on November 30, 2024, during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, “the accused, armed with a knife, attacked an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with the intent to cause harm”. The investigation is being conducted under the first part of Article 353 of the Criminal Code. Additionally, 7 individuals have been arrested under Articles 225 and 239 of the Criminal Code, which relate to organizing, leading or participating in group violence and publicly inciting violent actions. One person was also arrested for preparing an explosion.
December 4
In front of the Marriott Hotel on Freedom Square, mobilized thugs attacked opposition leaders who were meeting at the hotel to discuss their plans of action following the police raids earlier in the day. During the physical confrontation, the police joined the thugs in their attack and arrested the athlete and one of the leaders of the opposition party Ahali, Zurab Davitashvili.
Police also arrested one of the leaders of the “Strong Georgia” coalition, Aleko Elisashvili, for allegedly assaulting Ali Babaevi, the chairman of the Georgian-Azerbaijani National Congress. Babaevi claimed yesterday that Elisashvili had verbally and physically abused him, forcing him to be hospitalized.
During the confrontation the police damaged the camera of TV Pirveli.
Following police raids on opposition offices and activists’ homes, Georgian citizens took to the streets in protests in four major cities – Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and Zugdidi. The situation in Tbilisi quickly became tense, with police waiting for demonstrators in metro stations, searching them and taking away their gas masks and other protective equipment. Two people have already been arrested after a physical confrontation in front of the Freedom Square metro station.
- 04/12/2024 – Police Raids, Arrests Opposition, Activists
Several members of the Unity-UNM youth organization have been arrested, but the charges for their detention are not yet known. Arrested individuals include: Davit Gedenidze, Vakhtang Gagnidze, Irakli Ardia, Saba Birkaia, and Mishiko Janikashvili.
One of the leaders of the opposition alliance Coalition for Change Nika Gvaramia and Gela Khasaia of the same coalition have been arrested by the police.
Police initiated a search of the home of Ilia Ghlonti, a leader of the public group “Daitove.” The group has been prominent in mobilizing protest movement on social networks. Police have charged him with “organization or management of a group activity accompanied by violence, raids, damage, or destruction” and participation in disorder. Notably, the search began before Ghlonti’s lawyer arrived at the scene.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has arrested a 42-year-old man for “intentionally damaging a video surveillance camera in Mziuri Park” after leaving the protest on Rustaveli Avenue; If convicted, he will be facing up to five years in prison. The individual has been charged under Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to the damage or destruction of property.
Public Broadcaster journalist Giorgi Chagelishvili has been fined 2,000 GEL (697 USD) after being arrested during the dispersal of a rally near Metro Rustaveli on December 2. Despite Chagelashvili stating that he was carrying out his professional duties, the police proceeded with his detention.
December 3
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze commented on the decision of some civil servants to leave their jobs after the GD’s U-turn from the EU path, saying that these people were the “last resource” of the “foreign agents” and their patrons, which they were saving for this moment in order to use it to start “UNM’s Maidan”. He explained that even this attempt was unsuccessful and that the people who had called on the officials to resign were now calling on them to stay in their jobs. “The self-cleansing process has been very interesting, of course we’ve been watching everyone’s actions, and we’re going to react to everyone’s actions. This reaction will be in accordance with the Constitution and the law, but there will be a reaction, I say this with full responsibility,” Prime Minister Kobakhidze said.
MIA arrested a 25-year-old demonstrator on charges of preparing an explosion, which is a violation of the first part of 18-229 (e) prima of the Criminal Code and provides for imprisonment up to 7 years. According to MIA, the demonstrator was first arrested for artificially blocking a road and disobeying police orders, and after the police searched him, they found so-called Molotov cocktail on him, which was submitted to eximination and the experts found traces of petroleum products.
Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze reported that 5 demonstrators had been arrested on criminal charges of assaulting police and damaging property. Other cases of violation of Articles 187 and 353 of the Criminal Code are under investigation. As for the persons arrested for administrative offenses, their number has reached 293. Of them, the Tbilisi City Court has already sentenced 89 persons, imposed fines on 43, administrative detention on 41 and warnings on 5.
Activist Dodo Kharkheli‘s house was searched by police who took all the electronic devices belonging to her, her husband and their child, including laptops, phones, flash drives, etc. She was not arrested.
Dodi Kharkheli, a blogger and activist, was detained by the police near her child’s kindergarten. According to the reports, the police had been mobilized near activist’s home for search.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has arrested a 37-year-old individual facing up to 7 years in prison. The individual is charged under Article 353 of the Criminal Code for assaulting police officers and public institutions, specifically for using a Molotov cocktail against the police. So far, five people have been detained, and the MIA continues to investigate “criminal acts committed by violent groups” under Articles 187 (Damage or destruction of property) and 353 (Assault on police officers or other representatives of the authorities or on a public institution).
December 2
Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Enukidze found Shota Narsia, senior researcher for the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), guilty of an administrative offense and fined him GEL 2,800 (USD 984). Narsia was arrested during the early morning dispersal of the December 1 rally. According to his lawyer, Narsia was physically abused by the police, although he did not disobey their orders.
Tbilisi City Court Judge Zviad Tsekvava sentenced poet Zviad Ratiani to 8 days in prison. Ratiani was arrested during the dispersal of a peaceful rally on November 29. He was brutally beaten during his arrest, and his medical report states that he has “a fracture of the fifth vertebra, a fracture of the nasal bone and septum, hematomas and bruises of varying severity on the head and throughout the body.” He underwent surgery this morning and is still in the hospital.
Gela Khasaia, a member of the Coalition for Change, was attacked by three thugs near his home while on the way to the rally. He was violently beaten, dragged, and verbally abused.
December 1
Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said he was not surprised by the statement by some Tbilisi City Hall employees distancing themselves from the ruling party’s U-turn on the EU path. He explained that the City Hall had announced a reorganization a week earlier, and the employees made their decision after the news of big changes. He said it was understandable to him and that “everyone has their own way”.
According to Levan Khabeishvili of Unity-UNM, opposition party, special forces attacked him when 15 masked men rushed out of Chichinadze Street and attempted to detain him. However, with the public intervention, the special forces were unable to arrest him. Khabeishvili stated that the special forces were deliberately searching for him, adding that a journalist reported hearing this information while livestreaming. During the April 30 rally against the Foreign Agents Law, Levan Khabeishvili was severely beaten by police.
MIA said it arrested one person for damaging an object, which carries a penalty of up to six years in prison. The man, born in 1997, “who is a member of a political party”, MIA said, allegedly set fire to the electric wires and power supply unit of the surveillance camera at the parliament building during a rally on Rustaveli Avenue on 29 November this year, “thereby damaging the said device and rendering it inoperable”. The case is being investigated under Article 187, Part 2 of the Criminal Code.
November 30: Judge Koba Chagunava sentenced two citizens, Giorgi Tsakatze and Zurab Tsiklauri, to five and four days of administrative sentence today. They were detained on the night of November 28-29. A total of 150 people were detained on that night and are being accused of disobeying police and minor hooliganism. The Special Investigation Service is investigating the excessive use of police force during that demonstration.
November 30: At least four persons have reportedly been arrested in Batumi, including one underage, where the rally is taking place near the Constitutional Court building in central Batumi. The Rustaveli street is closed to traffic.
November 30: Mariam Gaprindashvili, a journalist from TV Pirveli was severely injured in the head. The journalist was hospitalized and has undergone a surgery. The operator who worked with her on that night, Papuna Khachidze, was also injured.
November 29: Two women politicians, Elene Khoshtaria and Nana Malashkhia (woman with an EU flag from the 2023 anti-Foreign Agents’ law rally) of the Coalition for Change were reported to have been injured during the protests: Khoshtaria has broken arm, and Malashkhia has a broken nose.
November 29: Guram Rogava, a journalist from Formula TV, who was covering the overnight protest, was physically, in a targeted manner, assaulted by one of the unidentified people dressed in black, wearing helmets and gas masks, have been operating in tandem with the riot police line, chasing and beating peaceful protesters. He was injured and hospitalized with head and suspected back trauma.
November 29: Journalist Lekso Keshelashvili, of Publika, was reportedly beaten and arrested while carrying out his professional duties. Lekso went online and said that he probably had a broken nose and head injuries, his colleague wrote on FB. He is now being taken to hospital. His camera was taken from him.
November 29: Media reports indicate that members of the Coalition for Change have been injured – one of its leaders, Elene Khoshtaria, became sick after inhaling tear gas and standing under the water cannon (which reportedly has some gas mixed in), while Boris (Chele) Kurua suffered a head injury from allegedly a rubber bullet. Another Coalition member Vakho Tsereteli, was beaten and received hear injuries.
November 28: Police arrested Misha Mumladze in Kutaisi. He was peacefully demonstrating with locals in Kutaisi when he called for people to cross the street and the police attacked him, dragged him, tore his clothes and despite calls to stop and that he was unwell, they took him to the police car and arrested him. The police said that Mumladze didn’t respect their order and verbally assulted them.
November 28: Guram Chukhrikidze, an observer for “My Vote“, was fined 500 GEL [182 USD] for blocking the road during protests against rigged elections. He had observed the election process in Marneuli on 26 October. Chukhrikidze said, “This is another manifestation of the regime’s law. They are trying to intimidate us so that we cannot speak out.”
November 28: Judge Zviad Tsekvava fined all ten activists 500 GEL [182 USD] each for blocking an embankment road during a November 10 protest denouncing the election results. Authorities said they had violated the law on assembly and demonstrations. The list of activists who have been fined is as follows: Lasha Parulava, Nikoloz Kuchukhidze, Nodar Chikviladze, Nona Kiuregiani, Tinatin Meskhi, Baniamin Kasimov, Vakhtangi Maghradze, Archil Museliantsi, Sopiko Berulava, Nino Liparteliani.
November 28: Lasha Parulava, a member of the Unity-UNM, was expelled from the courtroom and fined 200 GEL [73 USD] for disrespecting the court, in particular by claiming that both the judge and the court were complicit in a Russian “special operation” and explicitly stating that “there is a Russian regime in the country”. Parulava stated that the Judge Tsekvava’s actions were influenced by the political instructions from the Georgian Dream (GD) party, a claim that led to his expulsion from the Courtroom. Judge Zviad Tsekvava is jointly reviewing the cases of 10 people, including Parulava’s, who were subjected to administrative proceedings for blocking the embankment road on November 10 protest, arguing that the activists had violated law on assembly and demonstration. Parulava stated that “the Ministry of Internal Affairs is accusing us of the offense we did not commit.”
November 27: Vano Gomurashvili, another activist, was fined 2000 GEL [733 USD] on 27 November. He was arrested for blocking the road during the rally on 16 November near the CEC building; Representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs claimed that Gomurashvili had insulted the policeman and disobeyed his requests. However, there is no evidence to support this, as the body camera of the officer involved in the arrest was set to an automatic deletion mechanism.
November 27: Ilia Seturi, one of the participants in the November 10 protest, was fined 500 GEL. He has been the subject of administrative proceedings for the blocking of the embankment road. Although Seturi admits his participation in the rally, he denies being depicted in the videos presented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs‘ lawyers.
After Seturi was fined, his supporters planned to hold a protest in the court yard. However, security guards did not allow them to do so, forbidding the use of banners and expelling them from the yard. The guards also closed the gates. The activists argue that they have the right to protest within 20 metres of the court building under the Law on Assembly and Demonstration.
November 27: Isako Devidze and Davit Tsotsoria, two activists sentenced to 8 days in prison, have been released. They were arrested on 19 November during the violent dispersal on Melikishvili Avenue. “We are writing the history of a new Georgia. We will definitely win,” said Isako Devidze, who was on a dry hunger strike, after leaving the isolation ward.
November 26: The Tbilisi City Court has sentenced Anatoli Gigauri to pretrial detention as a preventive measure- the decision was announced by Judge Lela Maridashvili. Gigauri was arrested during the November 25 and was charged under Article 353 Prima of the Criminal Code, which refers to assault on the police officer. Gigauri’s lawyer said that his client had been severely beaten by police during his arrest and had sustained physical injuries.
November 26: Anatoli Gigauri, born in 1980, has been charged by the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a protest on November 24 at the intersection of Rustaveli Avenue and Chanturia Street. Gigauri was arrested on November 25 and is facing charges under the first paragraph of Article 353 Prima of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to “Assault on police officers or other representatives of the authorities or on a public institution.” According to Gigauri, he was allegedly physically abused by policemen and responded by using force to defend himself. The lawyer is requesting “a forensic medical examination to determine the extent of the injury”. If convicted, Gigauri could face a prison sentence ranging from four to seven years. The Prosecutor’s Office will soon apply to the Tbilisi City Court for a preventive measure for the accused, and the investigation into the case is ongoing.
November 23: Activist Isako Devidze, who was arrested on November 19 during the violent dispersal of a 48-hour peaceful rally, was taken to the hospital and then returned to the ward because his four-day-long dry hunger strike has damaged his health. His lawyer says that Isako needs 24-hour medical attention because he won’t even drink water in protest, however the doctor he was taken to the Vivamedi clinic refused to even talk to Isako’s family and inform them about his health.
November 23: Natia Dzidziguri, who was arrested during the 19 November protest on Melikishvili Avenue in Tbilisi, said she was verbally and sexually abused by police officers. She told Formula TV that she was forced to kneel down in the police car and wasn’t allowed to sit down while the police officers made derogatory comments.
November 22: The Tbilisi City Court remanded 21-year-old Mate Devidze in pre-trial detention. Devidze was arrested on charges of attacking police on November 19 during a protest rally on Melikishvili Avenue and faces up to seven years in prison. The Prosecutor’s Office sought his remand in custody. The court rejected the lawyers’ request to release Devidze on bail.
November 22: Members of the student movement Dapioni, who have spent the night in the first building of Tbilisi State University in protest against the elections, were confronted by the security guards and an unknown thug during the night. According to the students, the clash broke out after the guards restricted their freedom of movement inside the building. Several students reportedly became unwell during the confrontation.
November 21: Mate Devidze, 21, was arrested on charges of attacking police, the Interior Ministry said today, November 21. The young man faces up to seven years in prison.
November 21: Aleksandre Kavtaradze, a citizen who was arrested during protests on November 19 and released on November 21, was summoned for questioning by the Special Investigation Service. RFE/RL’s Georgian Service was told that the SIS opened an investigation under Article 33 of the Criminal Code, which deals with exceeding official powers through violence. Kavtaradze, who was detained on charges of petty hooliganism and disobeying a lawful police order, describes police violence against him during his detention.
November 20: According to the decision of the Tbilisi City Court Judge Koba Chagunava, activist Isako Devidze, who was detained on November 19 during the violent dispersal of a 48-hour peaceful rally, was sentenced to 8 days in prison.
November 20: According to media reports, activist Irakli Andguladze, who was detained on November 19 during the violent dispersal of a 48-hour peaceful rally, has been fined GEL 2,700 (USD 984) by Tbilisi City Court Judge Lela Tsagareishvili. The trial of two other detained activists is currently underway.
November 20: Davit Kirtadze, UNM’s representative in CEC, was fined 500 GEL ($182) for splashing black ink on the chairman of the CEC, Giorgi Kalandarishvili during the announcement of the final summary protocol. The judge considered the case on an expedited basis.
According to Article 10 of Election Code of Georgia, “a person who has been discharged from his/her post at the election commission of Georgia by the election commission or court due to the violation of the electoral legislation of Georgia, – within 4 years from the date he/she was discharged from post.” Therefore, Davit Kirtadze is ineligible to be appointed as a member of the CEC for the next four years.
November 19: The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed to Civil.ge that it arrested 16 people at the rally for violating Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative code, of which 3 people were released on parole.
November 19: Sergi Baramidze, a cameraman for Mtavari TV was released after being arrested by police while carrying out his journalistic duties. He was reportedly beaten and physically abused during the protest crackdown.
November 19: Protests in Tbilisi have escalated, with reports of unlawful detentions, injuries, and obstruction of journalists. According to the Coalition for Change, police detained its several members, including Manuchar Chachanidze and Saba Tskhvitaridze, during the crackdown on Melikishvili Avenue. Another member of the Coalition, Rezi Dumbadze, was also arrested, while Nika Kvitatiani, one of the members, suffered injuries, reportedly due to pepper spray, and was hospitalized.
Simultaneously, journalists faced violence and interference, with media organizations reporting physical assaults and detentions. According to The Media Ombudsman, “special forces prevented OC Media journalist Mariam Nikuradze from her journalistic activities; Law enforcement officers did not allow Netgazeti correspondent Givi Avaliani to film; Mtavari Arkhi cameraman Sergi Baramidze was arrested while performing journalistic activities; Law defenders physically assaulted Publika journalist Mindia Gabadze.”
November 18: Giorgi Liponava, co-founder of the Formula TV channel, along with two other citizens, has been released after 48 hours in detention. The three were violently arrested during a peaceful protest on November 16, as the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced the summary protocol. Vano Gomurashvili, a member of the “Coalition for Change,” also got released, as he confirms on Facebook.
November 16: The MIA said it had opened an investigation under Article 118 of the Criminal Code, which refers to the intentional infliction of less serious damage to health, following a complaint from the Central Election Commission. The case relates to the fact that David Kirtadze of the United National Movement threw an unknown liquid at the chairman of the CEC, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, during the November 16 meeting of the CEC.
November 11: Niko Managadze, a young activist, says he was summoned for questioning by the Special Investigation Service (SIS) on allegations of obstructing a pro-government Imedi TV crew during protests in Tbilisi.
November 11: According to the decision of the Tbilisi City Court on November 20, Isako Devidze and Davit Tsotsoria, two Georgian citizens who were arrested during the violent dispersal of the rally on Chavchavadze and Melikishvili Avenues, were sentenced to 8 days imprisonment.
November 7: The civic movement For Freedom, which is a member of the local observer mission My Vote, has been fined 3000 GEL (1100 USD) for hanging a banner on the wall of its office building, that reads “Russian Dream Stole Elections.”
October 30: Sopo Gelava and Eto Buziashvili, two Atlantic Council researchers whose houses were searched by the financial police two days before the election, say they now have no access to their bank accounts, with banks citing no legal justification or court order for freezing their accounts.
October 27: The Coalition for Change office in Zugdidi was targeted by alleged government-paid thugs who threw metal objects and pots at the office and attempted to enter, but left the area as media arrived on the scene. Police and ambulances are now seen in the area. This was reportedly the second attack on the same office today.
October 24: The house of one of the leaders of newly established party Federalist’s, Giorgi Noniashvili and his wife, Sopo Gelava was searched. Police took away all electronic gadgets, including their children’s laptops. According to some reports, the search is connected to an investigation on NGO Atlantic Council’s contractor company. Sopo Gelava is Atlantic Council’s employee.
October 22: Social Justice Center (SJC), a rights watchdog, issued an assessment of the battering case of Giorgi Mumladze, a politician and lecturer at Ilia State University, saying that the MIA is deliberately dragging out the case. Mumladze was beaten by four people on May 9 in the Kvemo Kartli region near his home, in the presence of his parents, bride, and two minor children, for his involvement in protests against the Foreign Agents Law in the spring. The SJC says that the investigation is not underway, despite many details provided by eyewitnesses to the relevant authorities.
September 27: Education expert Simon Janashia said that Ilia State University received only “conditional accreditation,” raising concerns given the positive evaluation by accreditation experts. The Accreditation Council has not explained its decision. A “conditional accreditation” is expected to delay the university’s full accreditation process for one year. Janashia warned, “Georgian Dream is trying not only to terrorize every member of society but to take over the institutions that are still free; not only Ilia State University, but the entire higher education system.” Ilia State University is considered to be independent of state influence.
September 25: Gela Khasaia, a member of the opposition Coalition for Change, reported that his bank accounts were frozen for failure to pay a court-ordered fine, although he claims he never received the court order. According to Khasaia, police arrested and physically assaulted him during protests against the Foreign Agents Law, and later the court fined him GEL 2700 (USD 990). He notes that he called and asked where he could pay the fine, but was told to just wait for the order.
September 25: The leader of “Vote for Europe” movement, Khatuna Lagazidze reported that one of the banks illegally gave the Anti-Corruption Bureau access to financial statements of the organization and its founders on September 17, without waiting for the decision of the Appeals Court. The Tbilisi City Court authorized the Anti-Corruption Bureau to access the personal data – bank account information and information related to the activities, of the founders of the newly launched “Vote for Europe” movement and the organization itself on September 13.
September 24: The Anti-Corruption Bureau declared Transparency International Georgia, a local watchdog, and Vote for Europe, a public movement, along with their leaders, as political actors with respective election-related “declared” goals, and demanded from them to submit financial statements.
September 24: Boris Chele Kurua, member of Girchi More Freedom, reported that his bank accounts were frozen for failure to pay a fine ordered by the court, although he claims that he had never received the court order. He was fined in May this year for artificially blocking the road during protests against the Foreign Agents Law. He was originally ordered to pay GEL 500 (USD 185), but now reports that GEL 50 (USD 18) has been added to the fine because he did not pay it on time.
September 16: The main opposition party in Georgia, the United National Movement, reports to the media that one of its members, Zurab Abaevi, has been arrested and physically assaulted by police. He has been charged under Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Violations of Georgia for petty hooliganism. According to his lawyer, he was arrested on his way to work at the UNM’s Nadzladevi office in Tbilisi.
September 16: The Tbilisi City Court Judge Mikheil Kinkolia found Giorgi Shanidze, an activist against the Foreign Agents Law and the former soldier fighting for Ukraine in the war against Russia, guilty under the Article 265 of the Georgian Criminal Code, which provides for punishment for the illegal cultivation of plants containing narcotics, and Article 187 – damaging surveillance cameras. Shanidze was sentenced to four years in prison.
September 11: The Tbilisi City Court fined Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the opposition coalition “Strong Georgia,” GEL 2000 (approximately USD 742) for petty hooliganism (Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia) and disobedience to the police (Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia). Elisashvili was charged with cursing at a policeman on April 17, when he was physically assaulted by police and later detained for several hours.
September 10: The Tbilisi City Court fined Saba Meparishvili GEL 2000 (approximately USD 742) for petty hooliganism (Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia) and disobedience to the police (Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia). Meparishvili is also charged under the second part of Article 187 of the Criminal Code, which deals with damage to or destruction of property, with “deliberately damaging” the iron protective barrier placed near the Parliament building.
September 9: The Tbilisi City Court has fined citizen Aleksandre Samkharadze GEL 1000 (approximately USD 371) for calling MP Viktor Japaridze, a supporter of the Foreign Agents Law, a “slave” and giving him the middle finger on May 28. Samkharadze was fined under Part One of Article 166 of the Administrative Code of Georgia, which provides for punishment for swearing in public places, harassment of citizens, or similar actions that disrupt public order and the peace of citizens.
August 6: The Tbilisi City Court ordered Vitali Guguchia to pay GEL 5,000 (USD 1,900) bail.
August 5: The Prosecutor General of Georgia charged Vitali Guguchia, the person who, in a video that went viral, reprimanded Georgian Dream spin-off People’s Power MP Viktor Japaridze for the adoption of the Foreign Agents Law, with obstructing the journalistic activities of the journalist and cameraman of PosTV. Guguchia is charged with the first part of Article 126 (beating causing physical pain) and the first part of Article 154 (unlawful obstruction of a journalist in his professional activity) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which are punishable by up to one year in prison. The Prosecutor General’s Office plans to apply to the court within the time limit established by law, requesting the use of bail as a preventive measure.
July 26: Another defendant, Giorgi Shanidze (Shano), remains in custody. A judge denied him bail. He is accused under the first part of Article 187 of the Criminal Code of damaging surveillance cameras during the protest against the Foreign Agents Law. He is also charged under second part of the Article 265 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages punishment for illegal sowing, growing or cultivating of plants containing narcotics. This article envisages a more severe punishment, so if the defendant is found guilty of both charges, he will be sentenced under Article 265 to 4 to 7 years in prison.
July 26: Judge Zviad Shavadze rejected the defense’s appeal to release Pridon Bubuteishvili, a 20-year-old youth arrested on May 9 for allegedly damaging the Parliament gate and inflicting harm on a firefighter during the May 1 protest against the Foreign Agents Law. The defense had proposed a bail of GEL 3000 [approximately USD 1,111]. Bubuteishvili faces up to seven years in prison.
July 24: Judge Natia Gudadze once again rejected the defense’s appeal to release Saba Meparishvili (23) and Omar Okribelashvili (19), so they remain in custody. The two were arrested for damaging a temporary iron fence during a protest against the Foreign Agents Law. The damage caused to the state is estimated at GEL 400 (approximately USD 150), an amount which has already been paid.
July 24: U.S.-Georgian citizen and well-known lawyer Ted Jonas, who was beaten and arrested by police during demonstrations against the Foreign Agents Law, was found guilty by the Tbilisi City Court of administrative charges of petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobeying a lawful request of the police (Article 173). He was fined 2000 GEL (approximately 730 USD).
July 23: Davit Katsarava, the leader of the anti-occupation movement Power is in Unity, who was severely beaten by the law enforcement on May 14 and had to be hospitalized and underwent surgery, was found guilty of the administrative charge of disobeying the lawful request of the police (Article 173). Katsarava was fined GEL 2000 (approximately USD 730) and his right to bear arms was restricted for two years.
July 10: Lazare Grigoriadis, who was among those arrested and beaten on May 14, the day the ruling party passed the Foreign Agents Bill in its third reading, was fined 2300 GEL by the Tbilisi City Court.
July 5: Davit Katsarava stated that after being brutally beaten and on his way to the hospital, the police told him that he was arrested on administrative charges of petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobeying the lawful request of the police (Article 173).
July 3: Davit Katsarava, the leader of the anti-occupation movement Power is in Unity, who was beaten so badly on May 14 that he had to be hospitalized and underwent a surgery, received a letter from the court summoning him to appear before a judge on July 5, most likely for administrative offenses. Katsarava reports on social media that he expects the court hearing to be another “kangaroo court,” with police officers testifying that they had turned off their body cameras when Katsarava allegedly began swearing at them.
July 2: The Tbilisi City Court remanded in custody Omar Okribelashvili and Saba Meparishvili, who were arrested on May 14 during protests against the law on foreign agents. The two individuals are charged under the second part of Article 187 of the Criminal Code, which deals with damage to or destruction of property, and is punishable by three to six years’ imprisonment when committed in groups. According to the Georgian MIA, they deliberately damaged the iron protective barrier placed near the Parliament building.
June 25: The UNM office in Poti (western Georgia) was vandalized. Davit Khomeriki, Chair of the UNM regional organization in Poti, said the double-glazed windows were apparently broken by several blows with heavy objects.
June 25: Kote Abdushelishvili, another activist involved in planning the June 30 protest rally against the Georgian Manganese mining company, ნ member of the movement to save the village of Zodi, was attacked by three masked men in daylight in central Tbilisi.
- On June 30, residents of the Chiatura municipality (Imereti region) plan to rally against the “Georgian Manganese” mining company. They say the company’s work threatens to destroy their village.
June 22: Activist Niko Gaprindashvili was ambushed by three men who physically assaulted him with batons, leaving him with a concussion and other physical injuries. He was attacked after the announcement of the June 30 protest rally against the Georgian Manganese mining company.
June 17: Leri Darjania, a friend of civic activist Datuna Danelia, was attacked and severely beaten by about seven men around 8 a.m. Danelia wrote about this in social media saying: “At 8 o’clock this morning, my friend and comrade-in-arms Leri Darjania was met by the “Titushkys” of the Georgian Dream and was physically assaulted by about 7 people”. According to him Darjania was hospitalized with a broken nose and other facial injuries.
June 14: Ivane Chkhikvadze, EU Integration Program Manager at the Civil Society Foundation and Georgia Country Consultant at the European Endowment for Democracy, who was one of the witnesses testifying at the June 4 U.S. Congressional Hearing, was confronted by propagandist TV representatives and government loyalists at the airport upon his arrival in Georgia on June 14. The video footage shows them, including one allegedly a member of the GD youth organization, calling him “Sergo Orjonikidze,” “slave,” “agent sold with Soros money,” and “traitor without motherland ” and hassling him: “Weren’t you ashamed to make statements against your country ..?” “Doesn’t it make you uncomfortable that you asked for sanctions against the country?”
June 13: Activist Beqa Papashvili was beaten for calling Georgian Dream MP Beqa Odisharia a “Russian slave” and a “traitor” in a grocery store. According to Papashvili, Odisharia was in the store with his bodyguards, who wouldn’t let Papashvili get close to the MP, and after Papashvili came out of the store, three men surrounded him within minutes and started beating him. Papashvili says that one of the men proudly announced that he was Odisharia’s son.
June 11: Zuka Berdzenishvili, an activist and a son of Davit Berdzenishvili, one of the leaders of the opposition Republican party, was brutally assaulted by three people near his home. Recalling the incident, Berdzenishvili says that while he was being beaten, one of the attackers also threatened his life, saying, “I promise I’ll shoot you in the head.” The incident occurred about two hours after a social media post by Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, in which he named Berdzenishvili among other individuals representing EU-funded media or NGOs, accusing them of an “organized and politically motivated terror campaign” against members of the parliamentary majority. The Parliament Speaker referred to recent cases of citizens confronting MPs who voted in favor of the foreign agents law.
June 10: Several men dressed in black gathered around the apartment complex of Zurab (Girchi) Japaridze, leader of the opposition party Girchi-More Freedom allegedly waiting to physically attack him. The suspicious figures were spotted by the politician’s neighbors. Gia Japaridze (who was himself ambushed last month by government-paid thugs), the brother of Zurab Japaridze, reported about them in social media. When the crew of TV Pirveli reached the area and inquired, the men said they were there to protect public order and quickly left. Zurab Japaridze was targeted three times in the last month, and once had to fire a warning shot from his gun into the air to scare off the attackers.
June 9: Mariam Tsitsikashvili, a researcher with GRASS-Georgia’s Reforms Associates, was detained at the airport on administrative charges of petty hooliganism (Article 166) following a verbal confrontation with People’s Power MP Viktor Japaridze over his vote in favor of the foreign agents law. She and her companion, Irina Gurgenashvili, who was not involved in the incident, had their passports seized and were denied boarding.
June 7: Niko Managadze, an activist, representative of the Student Movement for Freedom and one of the students protesting Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s lecture at Tbilisi State University, was attacked by several men on the street in daylight. He shared to online media outlet Publika that he had just left the university and was waiting for the light to turn green to cross the street when he suddenly felt a blow from behind. Suddenly, others joined the attacker and several men surrounded him and began beating him. Managadze started bleeding and the men let him go only after the passers-by joined the fight. The witnesses recorded a video in which the attackers can be clearly identified.
June 6: Nino Kalandia, an activist and representative of the organizations Talgha and Georgian Down Syndrome Association, reported that when she came home to her apartment complex, she was met in the lobby by a man who asked her when she was going to stop what she was doing and then threatened her. She actively and loudly confronted him and the man taken aback had to leave her alone. Kalandia has also reported receiving threatening phone calls.
June 5: Khatuna Beridze, an activist and head of the NGO Alternative, was arrested and released on parole after calling Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and the Head of the Adjara region’s Government Tornike Rizhvadze “slaves” and “traitors” as they walked down Batumi Boulevard.
June 4: Ioseb Babaevi, a civic activist and businessman, owner of the anti-occupation “Resto Bar,” who, according to media reports, often sends humanitarian aid to Ukraine, was controversially arrested in the city of Gori. He was arrested under Article 236 of the Criminal Code, which provides for the illegal purchase or storage of firearms. However, Babaevi’s lawyer, as well as the local people protesting his arrest, say that the police planted guns on him. The lawyer also said that Babaevi was physically and verbally abused by the police during his detention. In fact, on June 6, when Babaevi appeared before the Gori City Court, several physical injuries were visible on his head. Judge Levan Darbaidze found Ioseb Babaevi not guilty and ruled that the investigation was conducted illegally.
June 2: Tsotne Koberidze, a young politician from the opposition party Girchi-More Freedom, was confronted near his apartment in Tbilisi by two unknown assailants wielding electric shock devices. Koberidze resisted, and bystanders shouted at the attackers, who then fled the scene, leaving Koberidze physically unharmed. Ana Subeliani, a civic activist and co-chair of Tbilisi Pride, received a strange call from someone she didn’t know. The caller tried to trick her by saying he had 150 GEL (about 55 USD) worth of strawberries to give her, hoping to meet up. When Ana refused to meet him, the caller started cursing and verbally abusing her.
June 1: Around 2:30 a.m., 30-40 thugs vandalized the central office of the United National Movement. Levan Khabeishvili, UNM leader, shared the video of the destroyed office on Facebook Live. The night guards had to shoot into the air several times to scare off the intruders. According to Khabeishvili, the men worked in coordination with the police and the Georgian State Security Service. The MIA opened an investigation into the case under Article 187 of the Criminal Code, which deals with damage to or destruction of property.
May 31: Vitali Guguchia, a man seen in the viral video giving GD MP Viktor Japaridze a well-reasoned explanation of why the law on foreign agents is a “Russian law,” became the target of an intense smear campaign by a pro-government POSTV crew that showed up in Guguchia’s village in the western Georgian region of Samegrelo. POSTV journalist Natia Beridze accused Guguchia of secret operations under the UNM government, and the encounter escalated into a physical confrontation between Guguchia and the POSTV cameraman. The Special Investigative Service opened an investigation under Article 154 of the Criminal Code, which deals with obstruction of journalistic activity.
May 31: Giorgi Ushikishvili, a singer and an open critic of the government and the foreign agents law, was chased and verbally abused while driving the car. The next day, the same person texted him on Facebook, reminding him of the incident and telling him that “he does not like his [Ushikishvili’s] position on the country’s Euro-integration.”
May 31: Several opposition politicians and their family members continued to receive threatening phone calls. Among them were Tina Bokuchava and Ani Tsitlidze of the UNM, the mother of For Georgia member Ana Buchukuri, the mother of Droa member Tata Khundadze, and several members of Girchi-More Freedom. The Deputy Mayor of Tsalenjikha, Tamar Belkania, reported that her child had also received the threatening call.
May 31: GD MP Dimitri (Dito) Samkharadze publicly announced that he and his thugs were behind the campaign of intimidation against the government’s opponents and civil society. His Facebook video shows a man leaving abusive, obscene writings on the walls of the offices of protesters against the foreign agents’ law. Samkharadze said this was a response to “neo-fascists,” as he calls them, to those who earlier left writings on the walls of the homes of some GD MPs, calling them “slaves” and “traitors.”
Samkharadze also shared the list of prospective targets. NGOs: Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA); Tbilisi Pride; Sapari; Movement “Step”; “Shame” movement; Courtwatch; Mtis Ambebi; Studio Monitor; Movement “Talga”; Civil Society Foundation; International Society for Fair Elections And Democracy (ISFED); Transparency International – Batumi; Green Sector. Opposition parties: Lelo For Georgia; Girchi – More Freedom; Droa; Lelo For Georgia – youth wing; United National Movement – central office; Ahali; UNM – Batumi; Lelo – Batumi; Ahali – Batumi.
MP Dito Samkharadze’s announcement of repression was openly supported by People’s Power MP Guram Macharashvili, another GD MP Davit Kacharava, and pro-government POSTV co-founder and TV host Shalva Ramishvili, who on their part endorsed and warned of further repression.
May 31: An orchestrated campaign of intimidation against opposition politicians, media, civil society organizations, and critics of the foreign agents law has resumed.
MAY 28: Parliament Overrides President’s Veto, Finally Adopts Foreign Agents Law
May 28: Zviad Kharazishvili, alias “Khareba,” the notorious head of the MIA’s Special Tasks Department, admitted to battering protesters during peaceful demonstrations against the foreign agents law and said he had a special “list” of people to be targeted by riot police. “I don’t beat young people, I beat scoundrels… We have a list,” Kharazishvili told a journalist.
MAY 27: Legal Issues Committee Endorses Overriding Presidential Veto on Foreign Agents Law
MAY 18: President Salome Zurabishvili Vetoes Foreign Agents Law
May 15: Police arrested Giorgi Okmelashvili, head of the Limoni creative agency, on charges of assaulting a police officer, amid broader concerns that authorities are cracking down on individuals and organizations critical of the government. The MIA said Okmelashvili “physically assaulted” its employees during the May 13 rally at the Parliament building. Prior to his arrest, his home and the agency’s pavilion were searched by police. According to social media reports, at least four other creative and media agencies – AdFlex, H0lymotors, Ogilvy and Betterfly – have been subjected to surprise audits by tax authorities.
May 14: Several people were arrested and beaten during rally near the Parliament building against the foreign agents law when it was adopted in its third and final reading. Among them was Davit Katsarava, the leader of the anti-occupation movement Power is in Unity, which regularly patrols the occupation line and reports on the situation on the ground. Katsarava was standing peacefully on Rustaveli Avenue, when he was grabbed by the special forces, severely beaten and later hospitalized in serious condition. Lazare Grigoriadis, who was pardoned by the President, was among those arrested and beaten.
MAY 14: Parliament Passes Foreign Agents Law 84-30 in Third and Final Reading
MAY 13: Legal Issues Committee Passes Foreign Agents Law in Third Reading
May 11: The 73-year-old father of Ana Subeliani, civil activist and co-chair of Tbilisi Pride, was beaten. Rati Amaghlobeli, a writer and one of the organizers of the rallies against the foreign agents law, said that several people ambushed his house and covered his entrance with writings and posters.
May 10-11: Zurab Japaridze, leader of Girchi-More Freedom, was ambushed three times, twice at midnight near his home and once at noon near his party office; in all three cases, he successfully evaded the attackers. In the second case, Japaridze who is a former MP and is legally carrying a weapon, fired a warning shot, causing the masked men to flee in their car.
May 10: A man was severely beaten in his car by a group of police in the presence of his wife. The incident took place in Tbilisi, on Leonidze Street. It occurred when the man was driving up a street and encountered a police bus moving in the opposite direction on a one-way street. When he refused to yield to the bus, a number of policemen got out of the bus and physically assaulted him, relentlessly punching and kicking him, targeting his head. The Special Investigation Service opened an investigation under Article 333 (3b) of the Criminal Code, which deals with exceeding official authority by using force or a weapon.
May 9: Two opposition politicians, Boris (Chele) Kurua of the Girchi-More Freedom party and Nodar Chachanidze of the Ahali party, were attacked and physically assaulted by a group of Titushky (a word that originates from Ukraine’s Maidan protests and denotes thugs paid for by the government to intimidate protesters – both practice and the term are now being re-used in Georgia). Both were attacked near their homes as they were returning from a talk show in which they had participated on Formula TV.
May 9: Ucha Abashidze, a prominent pro-Ukrainian military blogger and activist against the foreign agents’ law, was controversially arrested for allegedly illegally purchasing and storing weapons and ammunition after his house was searched by a group of police who did not allow anyone to enter the property, including his lawyer and family members. The manner in which his house was searched by the police raised fears of the deliberate planting of guns. A few days later, Ucha Abashidze and his wife, Mariam Iashvili, who was arrested on 11 May, were charged under Article 157 Prime (unlawful obtaining and storage of private life secrets) and Article 236 (illegal purchase and storage of firearms and ammunition).
May 9: An orchestrated campaign of intimidation against opponents of the foreign agents law took on a new dimension, with insulting and discrediting posters and writings appearing on the offices and homes of civil society, media, and opposition politicians, calling these people “agents,” “enemies of the country,” “UNM hired,” and so on. This process continued on May 10 and 11.
May 9: Giorgi Oniani, a member of the opposition Ahali party, told Formula TV that after he and his wife left home late at night to visit the hospital and see Dimitri Chikovani, who had been beaten by unknown assailants earlier that day, individuals ambushed his home, aggressively stomping on the floors and verbally assaulting his 14-year-old son, who was alone at the time. He also said that he and his family members had been receiving abusive phone calls for two days.
May 8: Dimitri Chikovani of the UNM, Lasha Ghvinianidze, an activist and one of the organizers of the bikers’ marches, and Gia Japaridze, a former career diplomat, professor at the University of Georgia, researcher at the Chavchavadze Center think tank, and brother of Zurab Japaridze, leader of the opposition Girchi-More Freedom, were attacked and beaten by pro-government thugs. Following the attack on Lasha Ghviniashvili, he told Formula TV that he had received an unknown call on his phone prior to the attack, suggesting that the attackers may have used this method to pinpoint his location. He also mentioned that his 72-year-old father had received a call earlier in the day warning him that “his son should stop.” On the same day, DJ Gio Shengelia, a public critic of the foreign agents law, was physically assaulted by two people as he left the club.
May 8: Koba Pipiashvili, who attacked Lado Apkhazava and his son on May 5, was released on GEL 4000 (about USD 1440) bail. He was issued a restraining order against Apkhazava and his companion. Before releasing the attacker on bail, prosecutors charged him under Part C of Article 126 (violence against two persons) of the Georgian Criminal Code, which carries a two-year prison sentence.
May 8: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili announced that the Political Council of Georgian Dream has decided to create a database containing information on all individuals “who are involved in violence, blackmail, threats, and other illegal acts,” or “who publicly endorse these actions.”
Since May 7: Hundreds of civil activists, opposition politicians, participants in the protests against the foreign agents law, as well as their family members have been receiving phone calls from foreign and Georgian phone numbers, and after picking the phone they are verbally abused and intimidated.
May 7: Giorgi Kldiashvili, Executive Director of the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), a watchdog, was verbally and physically assaulted while speaking to journalists near the Swedish Embassy in Tbilisi. The opposition-leaning Formula TV crew interviewing Kldiashvili was also attacked. The assailant, whose face and car could be identified, pointed at people near the Embassy as he passed by, swearing at those who “support these people.”
May 5: Lado Aphazava, a teacher from the Guria region of western Georgia and winner of the National Teacher Award, and his son were attacked and physically assaulted by several men near his home in the town of Lanchkhuti. Aphazava claimed that he was targeted because of his public criticism of the foreign agents’ law and his participation in protest rallies.
MAY 1: Parliament Passes Foreign Agents Law 83-23 in Second Reading
May 1: Levan Khabeishvili, leader of the United National Movement (UNM), was severely beaten by police during the April 30-May 1 rally against the foreign agents law. He had multiple bruises and lacerations on his face, a severely injured eye, and a broken nose. Recalling his detention, Khabeishvili said that he was told that he has a “long tongue” and that he is “constantly criticizing the government.” Almost a month after the incident, the Prosecutor’s Office officially recognized Khabeishvili as an injured party.
APRIL 29: Legal Issues Committee Endorses Foreign Agents Law in Second Hearing
April 17: Online media journalists Aleksandre Keshelashvili of Publika, Giorgi Badridze of Tabula, and Giorgi Baskhajauri of April were reportedly chased and beaten by police while covering a story during a protest rally against the foreign agent’s law near the Parliament building.
To be updated…
Mass protest linked to the Georgian Dream announcement on November 28 to abort the accession negotiations with the EU “until 2028” was met with brutal police repression. Since then, Georgians have been resisting across the country. What started as a protest against the alteration of Georgia’s foreign policy continues as a widespread civic effort to return the country to the path of constitutional legality. The legitimacy of the Georgian Dream parliament and its elected government has been hanging in the balance since the October 26 elections, which are widely considered rigged (see previous liveblog).
Tuesday, December 10
12:46 – Doctor Giorgi Akhobadze Ordered to Be Held in Custody on Drug Charges
Doctor Giorgi Akhobadze has been remanded in custody on drug-related charges. The decision was made by Tbilisi City Court Judge Lela Maridashvili during today’s hearing. The prosecutor Shmagi Gobejishvili alleged that Akhobadze illegally acquired over 3 grams of “alpha PVP” and claimed there are risks of him committing new crimes, destroying evidence, or fleeing. Akhobadze was arrested on December 7 following a protest on Rustaveli Avenue. He is charged under Criminal Code Article 260, Part 6 for illegal drug acquisition and possession, which carries a potential sentence of 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment. The judge, Lela Maridashvili rejected the defense side’s proposed bail of 30,000 GEL and political figures (including Zurab Japaridze) offers as guarantors. The defense, represented by lawyer Lasha Tsutskiridze, contested the charges, claiming the arrest warrant and detention protocol are illegal and lack video evidence. Akhobadze denies the charges and is on a hunger strike. Akhobadze suggests his arrest is politically motivated, connected to his civil and political activism.
11:00 – Opposition Parties Urge Sanctions on Georgian Regime Over Human Rights Violations
“All four parties are working and will continue to work to ensure that the West imposes sanctions on those individuals directly involved in violence.”, Giorgi Butikashvili, a member of the “Coalition for Change”, has stated in a joint briefing of the opposition political forces. He added that the Georgian people are continuing to safeguard their European future and “now it is up to the European Union and the United States to protect our future and citizens. Protection implies imposing sanctions and destabilizing the system,” said Giorgi Butikashvili, a member of the “Coalition for Change,” at a joint briefing of opposition parties. “We continue to work towards making the severe violations of fundamental rights, which the oligarchic regime is committing, a subject of sanctions,” added Teona Akubardia, member of “Gakharia – For Georgia”.
03:12 – GYLA Reports 10 Possible Detentions in Tbilisi, Including One on Criminal Charges
Nona Kurdovanidze, the Chairperson of GYLA, stated that the NGOs’ hotline received calls last night in Tbilisi, reporting the possible detention of 10 people. Among them, one person is reported to have been detained on criminal charges.
Monday, December 9
21:05 – U.S. Rep. Wilson Calls for Immediate Sanctions on GD
The U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative, Joe Wilson (SC-02): “The illegitimate puppet government of Georgia continues to brutally crack down on Georgians. I urge immediate sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream cronies. We cannot stand by and allow Georgia to fall into dictatorship against the people’s will.”
19:00 – Police Arrests Five Demonstrators in Batumi
The Adjara Police Department of the MIA arrested five people for group violence in Batumi. They face 2 years in prison for violating the first part of Article 126 prima of the Criminal Code. According to the police, during the December 3 protest, a group of demonstrators entered the Batumi University of Arts to hang a banner near the rector’s office, but were prevented from doing so by a lecturer at the same university. As a result, the dean of the same university verbally abused the lecturer. The investigation also revealed that the dean and his students later physically assaulted the lecturer’s wife and her friend in the university building.
18:00 – Activist Kinkladze Sentenced to 12 Days in Prison
The Tbilisi City Court sentenced 18-year-old activist Sandro Kinkladze to 12 days in prison for disobeying police orders. He was arrested on December 8 on the street after visiting a friend. According to him, some of the police who arrested him weren’t wearing uniforms.
17:31 – Protests Outside TV Imedi, Criticizing One-Sided Coverage
Members and supporters of “Gakharia For Georgia,” gathered in front of TV Imedi with EU and Georgian flags to protest. According to one of the leader of the party. Beka Liluashvili, TV Imedi is currently the main tool of government propaganda, covering events in a one-sided manner and being inaccessible to opposition politicians.
17:30 -Judge Dismisses Data Kharaishvili After Issuing Verbal Warning
Judge Zviad Tsekvava dismissed Data Kharaishvili, a peaceful demonstrator who was arrested on December 3 after leaving the protest, following a verbal warning. According to Kharaishvili, he was filmed by Zviad Kharazashvili, also known as “Khareba“, the director of the Special Task Department, as he was severely beaten and repeatedly assaulted by representatives of the Special Task Department.
17:20 – Ombudsman and EU Ambassador Discuss Police Violence Against Protesters
Levan Ioseliani, the Public Defender of Georgia, met with EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski to discuss recent political developments, including the excessive use of force by police against peaceful demonstrators, challenges to basic rights like freedom of expression, and the situation of arrested and injured protesters. After the meeting, the Ambassador spoke with representatives from various media outlets, describing the scenes as “horrific” and “shocking.” He urged immediate investigations and emphasized that “perpetrators should be brought to justice.”
15:40 – Two More Citizens Fined
Saba Chankvetadze, a peaceful demonstrator who was arrested on December 2 and beaten so severely that he had to be taken to a medical center for treatment, was fined 2200 GEL for petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobeying a lawful order (Article 172). Another demonstrator, Luka Kotiashvili, was also subjected to police brutality, beaten in a police car, resulting in serious head injuries, got fined 2000 GEL on administrative charges of disobeying lawful orders.
15:15 – Representatives of Cultural Field March for Justice, Demands Release of Illegally Detained
Representatives of cultural field are marching from the Tbilisi Public Service Hall to local police stations to urge police officers to focus on arresting real criminals, preventing violence, and ensuring citizens’ safety. The protesters are also calling for the release of individuals who have been illegally detained, highlighting the need for justice and accountability within the system.
15:11 – New Legislative Package Sets Regulations on Pyrotechnic Products, Bans Their Use During Protests
The ruling Georgian Dream MPs have presented a new legislative initiative according to which a number of regulations will come into force regarding the export, import, production and sale of pyrotechnic products, which will be allowed only with a special permit/license. The use of pyrotechnic products during demonstrations will also be prohibited.
The administrative and criminal norms related to this change will come into force in two parts, the first half from February 1, 2025 and the second half from April 1, 2025. If an individual decides to export, import, sell or manufacture pyrotechnic products without a license, he/she will be fined GEL 5,000 (USD 1,780) for the first time and GEL 6,000 (USD 2,135) for the second time. At the same time, if a person who doesn’t have the right to have/use pyrotechnic products buys them, the seller will be fined GEL 2,000 (USD 711) and the buyer will be fined GEL 1,000 (USD 356).
In addition, violation of the rules for registration, storage, transportation or use of explosive, flammable, combustible substances or pyrotechnic products, as well as their illegal transfer by mail or baggage, which will lead to serious consequences, will be punished under criminal law by a fine or house arrest for a term of six months to two years or imprisonment for a term of two to five years.
The legislative package was prepared by GD deputies Rati Ionatamishvili, Aleksandre Tabatadze, Tengiz Sharmanashvili, Nino Tsilosani, Aluda Ghudushauri, Irakli Shatikashvili and Guram Macharashvili. It will be reviewed and adopted on an expedited basis this week.
15:00 – Protest near SIS, Demonstrators Demand Investigation into Brutality
Protests are taking place near the Special Investigation Service building, as demonstrators demand an investigation into those responsible for the mistreatment and brutality. Protesters are requesting the punishment of all government-paid thugs, known as “Titushky,” who have physically assaulted opposition politicians, actors, journalists, and others. Protesters referenced Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze‘s statement that the city is “full of life” after violence erupted in the streets, calling it a “city full of violence.” Eka Gigauri, executive director of Transparency International Georgia, accused Bidzina Ivanishvili of using administrative resources to consolidate power and steer Georgia closer to Russia. Gigauri emphasized that such rallies are crucial for garnering international support and highlighting the country’s political challenges.
13:55 – Ombudsman Discusses Political Climate and Police Mistreatment with U.S. Ambassador
Levan Ioseliani, the Public Defender of Georgia, met with U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan to discuss Georgia’s current political climate, focusing on activists still being held in detention and medical centers. Ioseliani highlighted his office’s work in collecting materials for investigations, which are being handed over to the Special Investigation Service. The Ombudsman also emphasized the importance of a strong response to the police’s mistreatment of peaceful demonstrators
12:37 – Protest in Batumi Continues near Public Service Hall
The protests in Batumi have entered their twelfth consecutive day, with demonstrations taking place in various locations. Today, peaceful citizens gathered at the Batumi Public Service Hall, calling on the employees to go on strike and join the protest against the ongoing developments in the country. After being expelled by the security police, the protest continued outside the building.
12:00 – Georgian Prosecutor’s Office Senior Investigator Condemns Violence Against Citizens
Demetre Grigalashvili, a senior investigator of the cases of special importance at Department to Investigate Offenses Committed in the Course of Legal Proceedings of the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia, said on social media: “Violence against a peaceful citizen, protester or journalist is not, has never been and will never be justified! Empathy and human understanding are the cornerstones of all professions. Immediate response to the actions of perpetrators is essential. Otherwise, thinking about any kind of trust or cooperation is simply absurd.”
11:38 – SIS Launches Investigation into December 7 Attack on TV Pirveli Employees
The Special Investigation Service (SIS) has launched an investigation into the December 7 attack on TV Pirveli employees, under Article 154 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which addresses unlawful interference with journalists’ professional activities. According to SIS, they swiftly began investigative actions upon receiving the report, including identifying the perpetrators and their accomplices. The investigation involved reviewing the crime scene, collecting surveillance footage, and tracking the suspects’ movements. On December 8, a search at the home of suspect G.L. led to the seizure of his mobile phone, which is now undergoing forensic analysis. Ongoing investigations include the retrieval of additional video footage and analysis of mobile operator data.
11:25 – Cultural Representatives Protest at Ministry of Culture
Representatives of the cultural field gathered in protest near the Ministry of Culture, sending a clear message to its employees to stand in solidarity with the actors and other representatives of the cultural field who have been illegally detained. The protesters are demanding that the Ministry’s staff take a clear stance in support of the values of the European Union. “There is no time for silence today,” one protester told the employees, urging them to speak out and act in defense of justice and human rights.
11:05 – Opposition Parties Vow to Expose Rights Violations and Seek Accountability
Four opposition forces, having surpassed the 5% threshold, issued a joint statement today through their united information center. They revealed that they have identified dozens of victims of crimes under Georgian and international law, and are determined to hold accountable not only the police officers involved, but also the officials responsible for such brutality. These political forces are actively exposing those who have systematically violated fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, the right to health, and the right to a fair trial. “Law enforcement agencies are not even interested in responding appropriately and protecting society, despite the fact that some of the criminal groups have been identified and information about them is actively being disseminated” said Marika Arevadze, member of the Coalition for Change; The details of these cases are being documented in a register, with reports to be shared with their international partners.
Sunday, December 8
22: 00 – On the 11th day of the continuous protest against the change of the foreign policy course of the country and against the repression by the authorities, citizens continue to gather on Rustaveli avenue. Protests are also ongoing in Zugdidi, Batumi, Kutaisi. Georgian emigres have also been holding rallies in support of the protesters and their demands, in various cities abroad. Georgians in South Korea gathered today to protest rigged elections and violence against protesters.
17:00 – Police Guard Christmas Tree as Activists Attach Photos of Beaten Journalists
Police officers arrived to bar access to Christmas tree construction at the parliament after activists attached protest posters and photos of beaten journalists to it.
16:00 – Media Solidarity Rallies in Tbilisi, Kutaisi
Media workers and other protesters gathered in Tbilisi’s Republic Square for a solidarity rally against “terror and repression” against journalists. Multiple journalists have been violently attacked and arrested during the ongoing protests, including police beatings and yesterday’s violent attack by titushki (government-sponsored thugs) on the crew of TV Pirveli. Demonstrators started marching towards the parliament, where authorities are currently erecting Tbilisi’s main Christmas tree. A solidarity rally is also being held in the western Georgian city of Kutaisi.
14:30 – Kobakhidze Announces Law Banning Covering Face in Rallies
“We are going to adopt a law prohibiting the covering of faces by various means during assemblies by participants of assemblies – including participants of counter-assemblies,” Irakli Kobakhidze said, commenting on yesterday’s attack on journalists by so-called titushki at today’s briefing. “It is a little difficult to react in this situation. Everyone is wearing masks,” he said, adding that the law is expected to be adopted by the end of next week and fully implemented before the end of December.
14:30 – Irakli Kobakhidze Claims the Protest is “Subsiding”
“The protests is subsiding. The number of participants in the gathering is decreasing every day, which has one main reason – the protest has completely lost its content. No one can say what they are protesting against. Everyone has heard once again that the government has not stopped the country’s European integration, and secondly, they can’t demand what is really their hearts, as they have already lost the ninth election. There are supporters of the collective “National Movement”, they cannot make this demand, therefore, this gathering remains devoid of content. In these circumstances, these actions of the radical opposition have no perspective, they are subsiding and everything will not end ungloriously for them,” Kobakhidze said.
02:50 – Reports of a Journalist and Activist Detention
The reports surfaced that journalist Nika Katsia and a civic activist Sandro Kinkladze have been detained by the police. Activist Beka Korshia is also reportedly detained.
Saturday, December 7
23:50 – GD Denies Responsibility for Attack on Coalition for Chance and Journalists
Following the attack on Coalition for Change members and TV Pirveli journalists by titushky GD officials, including executive secretary of GD Mamuka Mdinaradze, said the attack was instigated by the opposition itself and “in the interest of those who needs chaos and unrest.”
22:30 – Titushky Raid Coalition for Change Office, Attack its Members, Journalists
In another case of targeted violence on journalists and the opposition took place, titushky (government-paid thugs) attacked and injured several members of the opposition Coalition for Change and raided its office on Besiki str. The titushky, all clad in black and masked, also attacked TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze and a cameraman, while they were covering the incident. Meanwhile, the witnesses say the patrol police who was nearby had no reaction to the violence attack, and left together with titushky. Besiki str. is right on the corner of Rustaveli avenue where mass protest rally was taking place. Update: Two hours after the attack the Special Investigation Service which has it had opened an investigation into the case has not come to the scene of crime, which was broadcast live on TV Pirveli.
18:00 – Rally Near the City Court As Several People Remanded in Custody by Court
Police have been mobilized near the Tbilisi City Court, where the verdict in the case of those arrested for allegedly taking part in group violence was announced, envisaging 4-6 years in prison – there is commotion at the scene.
The decision by Tbilisi City Judge Tamar Mchedlishvlii, who sentenced actor Andro Chichinadze, comedian Onise Tskhadadze, Zviad Tsetskhladze, Andro Chichinadze, Jano Archaia, Luka Jabua, Guram Mirtskhulava, Ruslan Sivakov to two months’ pre-trial detention, was followed by a protest by actors who gathered near the City Court building.
Law enforcement officers are currently mobilized near the stairs leading to the City Court and along the entire perimeter. Supporters of the detainees, including many actors are expressing their dissatisfaction with the court decision saying that innocent people have been sent to prison. They chant “No to the violent regime”, “Shame!”.
17:00 – March Towards the Parliament Kicks Off
For the 10th day in a row protesters are are taking to the streets. They are marching towards the Parliament building on Melikishvili str carrying a banner reading: “Solidarity with prisoners of the regime”. They are demanding the release of all those illegally detained and the organisation of new elections. Rallies are also taking places in other Georgian cities: Btaumi, Gori, Kutaisi, Zugdidi. Rallies have been held in over 35 Georgian cities/towns over the past 10 days
15:40 – PD: Detainees Say Abused by Police During Detention and Transportation
The Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, said he visited 34 people detained during the protest in temporary detention centers in Tbilisi and Sagarejo. Some of the detainees had injuries and, as they say, the police abused them during their detention and transportation. The PD said he provided information about o the Special Investigation Service. The PD said some of the detainees indicate that the police are not returning the phones and other personal belongings confiscated during detention, the informaton by PD said.
15:30 – EC Report Says Urgent Action Needed to Avoid Suspension of Visa Liberalization Mechanism
European Commission’s Seventh Report to European Parliament and the Council under the Visa Suspension Mechanism said that in the light of recent developments in the country “Georgia needs to take further urgent action to address the Commission’s recommendations” to avoid the possible activation of the suspension mechanism.
11:40 – Police Says 48 Arrested for Disobeying and Petty Hooliganism, Two Arrested for “Participating in Group Violence” at December 6-7 Rally
According to MIA during the protest, 48 people were detained by police “for disobeying the lawful request of a police officer and for petty hooliganism under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.” In addition, Central Criminal Police Department of MIA have arrested 2 more persons on charges of participating in group violence. The arrested are: I.K., born in 1995, and S.K., a foreign citizen, born in 1997.
The MIA statement said the investigation established that the defendants committed violent acts in groups during the protests on Rustaveli Avenue, “resisted and disobeyed the lawful demands of law enforcement officers, and threw various objects at them.”
As a result of the use of fireworks by the participants of the demonstration, one employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was injured, according to MIA. Special means “permitted by law” were used according to the statement to disperse the crowd.
“Later, the protesters moved from Rustaveli Avenue towards Heroes’ Square, during which the movement of vehicles on the road was restricted, and they entered into a conflict with the passengers of the vehicle, who were the personal bodyguards of one of the persons to be protected.”
02:50 – The Police Disperse Protesters from Rustaveli avenue
By approximately 3 am the protesters who had been surrounded by police on both sides and who had been dispersed using water canons, pepper spray and gas cartridges, left the Rustaveli avenue through the side streets. The police are still staying on the Republic square.
01:20 – Ombudsman: No Legal Basis for Rally’s Dispersal and Interference with Freedom of Assembly
The Public Defender made a statement that at the time (00:34) when police began to disperse the rally, the rally was peaceful and there was no legal basis for its dispersal and interference with freedom of assembly. The Public Defender calls on the Ministry of Interior to stop the dispersal of the rally, the detention of participants and the use of special means, and to allow the protesters to continue their rally.
00:40 – Riot Police Starts Dispersal, Several People Detained, Including Tsotne Koberidze of Coalition of Change
The police began the dispersal on Rustaveli Avenue, bringing forces from several directions: Chichinadze str, Chitadze str and Freedom Square, using pepper spray and water cannon nearby. Several demonstrators were arrested, including Tsotne Koberidze, a member of the Coalition for Change. However, the demonstrators refused to leave. After the first attempt by the police to disperse the protesters, there are still large numbers of protesters on Rustaveli Avenue all the way to Republic Square.
00:20 – MIA Says it Detained Two “for petty Hooliganism, Resisting the Police, and Disobeying the Lawful Request of a Police Officer”
MIA said two citizens have been detained in the upper vestibule of the Freedom Square metro station under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses for petty hooliganism, resisting the police, and disobeying the lawful request of a police officer. MIA said that its units conducted a superficial check and examination of citizens at various metro stations in Tbilisi, in accordance with Article 22 of the Law of Georgia “On Police”, explaining that a” police officer is authorized to conduct a “superficial check” as a preventive measure, “if there is sufficient reason to assume that the person is carrying an item whose transportation is restricted or which poses a threat to his or her life and health or that of another person.”
MIA statement calls on citizens “to obey the lawful request of police officers and not to interfere with the performance of their official duties. Otherwise, appropriate measures specified by law will be taken against them.”
Friday, December 6
20:10 – Ninth Day of Protests: Citizens Gather on Multiple Locations
Protests in Georgia continue for the ninth day in several locations and cities. There are demonstrations in Batumi, Tbilisi and Kutaisi. In the capital, four protests are underway: representatives of the education sector are protesting in front of the Ministry of Education, demanding the resignation of the minister amid the violence against young demonstrators and the reversal of the EU path; representatives of the tourism sector are marching from the building of the Tourism Administration to the Parliament; representatives of the culture sector are protesting in front of the Georgian Public Broadcaster with demands for air time (the demands have already been granted and will be broadcast at 10 p.m.); finally, citizens are concentrated as usual in front of the Parliament, on Rustaveli Avenua.
20:07 – Court Sentences Opposition Member Saba Skhvitaridze to Pre-trial Detention
Tbilisi City Court Judge Lela Maridashvili sentenced Saba Skhvitaridze, a member of the opposition Coalition for Change, to pre-trial detention. Skhvitaridze is charged with the second part of Article 353, which refers to harming the health of a police officer during his official duties. The next hearing in the case will be held on January 28. During the trial, Saba Skhvitaridze stated that he had been abducted and tortured. According to him, during the arrest the police did not even explain to him why they were detaining him, but simply handed him over to an unknown operational group in the Gori region.
18:22 – Court Sentences 8 Members of Dafioni to Pre-trial Detention
Tbilisi City Court Judge Irakli Khuskivadze sentenced eight members of the Dafioni organization to pre-trial detention on charges of organizing, leading and participating in group violence. The detainees are: Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vasil Kadzelashvili, Vepkhia Kasradze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliyev, Tornike Goshadze and Giorgi Giorgadze.
Three of the defendants – Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vepkhia Kasradze, and Vasil Kadzelashvili – are accused of organizing and directing group violence. They face 6 to 9 years in prison.
Five of the defendants – Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliyev, Tornike Goshadze and Giorgi Giorgadze – are accused of participating in group violence. They face between 4 and 6 years in prison.
18:15 – Joint Statement of Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian and Polish President’s on the Situation in Georgia
The Presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland issued a joint statement on the situation in Georgia, stressing that the government’s declared suspension of EU negotiations until 2028 is “a serious blow to the hopes of the Georgian people.”
The statement also reads: “The results of the October 26 parliamentary elections were marred by serious violations that call into question the legitimacy of the newly elected parliament… We condemn the use of force against the people and the arrest of those exercising their rights. We call on the authorities to stop the violence and to respect freedom of expression and assembly. All cases of violence must be investigated and the perpetrators held accountable.”
17:17 – Court Sentences Elisashvili to Two Months of Pre-trial Detention
Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, was sentenced to two months in pre-trial detention by Tbilisi City Court Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili. Aleko Elisashvili is charged under Article 156, Part 2, Subparagraph “a” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which provides for up to three years’ imprisonment.
16:10 – Ambassadors of UK, France, and Germany Meet with Georgia’s Public Defender to Discuss Police Violence and Protesters’ Conditions
Gareth Ward, the Ambassador of Great Britain to Georgia, Sheraz Gasri, the Ambassador of France, and Ernst Peter Fischer, the Ambassador of Germany, met with Levan Ioseliani, the Public Defender of Georgia, and Tamar Gvaramadze, the First Deputy Public Defender. During the meeting, Ioseliani discussed the current situation in Georgia, highlighting issues such as police mistreatment and the conditions of arrested protesters. He also outlined the activities carried out by his office. On X, Peter Fischer expressed his concern, stating, “That over 85% of those arrested at Georgian protests are injured is a source of alarm & dismay. Maximum respect to all who exercise the right to express their opinion in favor of democracy & EU.”
16:00 – MIA Arrested Three Individuals
Three individuals, aged 20, 54 and 26, have been arrested by the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) under Article 225 of the Criminal Code, which addresses participation in group violence, and face up to 9 years in prison if convicted. The MIA alleges that the suspects disobeyed police orders and threw objects at officers.
15:40 – Publika’s Journalist Attacked by Mobs
Mindia Gabadze, the journalists of media outlet Publika, was attacked by the government-paid thugs [titushky] near the National Gallery and assaulted in front of the police. According to the Facebook post, when people demanded the arrest of the attackers, the police officers got into the car and closed the door.
15:20 – Coalition for Change’s Gvaramia Sentenced 12 Days Imprisonment
Nika Gvaramia, one of the leaders of the opposition alliance Coalition for Change, was sentenced to twelve days’ imprisonment after being charged with violations of Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, including petty hooliganism and disobeying a lawful order of a police officer.
The case took a dramatic turn when Gvaramia was unexpectedly transferred from Marneuli Detention Center to Tbilisi City Court without prior notification to his lawyer or family. Following his request for legal representation, the judge called for a break. Gvaramia’s lawyers subsequently requested a postponement of the trial, arguing that they had not been given access to the case files, which had reportedly been provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs hour before the trial. Despite these concerns about the fairness of the trial, it went ahead.
15:23 – EP President Reiterates her Support for Georgia’s EU Aspirations
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, reiterated her support for the EU aspirations of Georgian citizens. She commented as follows: “Just spoke with President Zurabishvili. To the people of Georgia: We know your European aspirations, we see the EU flags being waved, we hear you. European Parliament remains committed to support Georgia’s European future.”
15:15 – Shota Rustaveli Theater and Film University Students and Actors Protest Illegal Detentions
Actors and students from the Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film University are protesting outside the university against the illegal arrests of their colleagues and demanding their immediate release. The protesters’ main demand is for the university to show solidarity with those currently detained. Police presence has been mobilized as the authorities monitor the ongoing demonstrations.
14:51 – Activists Enter Public Service Hall, Call for Strikes and Release of Protesters
Protesters entered the Public Service Hall, calling for employee strikes and demanding the release of detained demonstrators. Security personnel evacuated the activists, who had entered the building with whistles and banners showing images of injured and detained protesters. The building’s entrance has been locked, with protesters continuing their demonstration outside. The facility has temporarily suspended its operations.
12:45 – Economists Urge GD to Uphold Democracy and Economic Stability
Economists have issued a joint statement calling on “the government of Bidzina Ivanishvili” to immediately release detained protesters, to punish officers responsible for brutality and to return the country to a democratic path. They also criticized Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze‘s decision to suspend EU integration, saying it violates Article 78 of the Georgian constitution and undermines economic development. This move, they warn, will isolate Georgia from the West, which has long supported the country with $9 billion a year in trade, investment, tourism and remittances. The economists also condemned recent anti-democratic legislation and mismanagement of the National Bank’s reserves, warning that these actions threaten Georgia’s economy and will have a detrimental effect on its business and financial sectors.
12:26 – Startups Condemn Physical Violence Against Demonstrators
Georgian startups condemn the recent actions of Georgian Dream, including violence against peaceful protesters and decisions that undermine the country’s democratic and pro-European path. They stress that the EU has been instrumental in developing Georgia’s technology and startup ecosystem through grants, funding and education. The suspension of EU negotiations threatens Georgia’s progress, foreign investment and access to European markets. The startups call for a return to democratic values, respect for the constitution, and alignment with the Georgian people’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration, and assert that Georgia’s rightful place is in the European Union.
11:45 – Coalition for Change’s Khasaia Released
Gela Khasaia, a member of the Coalition for Change opposition alliance, who was arrested on 4 December during a police raid in the office of the opposition party Droa, has been released on parole.
11:00 – Opposition Coalition Highlights Detentions, Warns of Russian Threats
The Joint Opposition Information Center, representing all four leading opposition forces, held a briefing, reiterating their demands to the Georgian Dream party: prosecution of perpetrators, release of unlawfully detained protesters, and holding new elections.
Strong Georgia member Levan Tsutskiridze announced that at 2:00 PM, leading human rights defenders from four coalitions will hold a joint briefing on legal issues and ongoing human rights violations in Georgia.
Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, reported the detention of a 14-year-old in Kutaisi. He also mentioned several detention cases at Republic Square around midnight of people who were peacefully gathered around a fire. “This terror will continue and worsen until we win,” he stated. Japaridze warned that Russia is attempting to formalize Georgia as its part before the new U.S. president’s inauguration and subsequent negotiations begin. “As Ivanishvili promised in 2012, Russia wants Georgia’s issue to disappear from the international agenda in the West-Russia confrontation… Our task is to prevent this, and the protest must continue,” he added.
Gia Japaridze, one of Unity-UNM‘s leaders, said that according to their information, “there exists a qualified majority in the European Union needed to suspend visa liberalization”.
10:39 – Opposition Leader Elisashvili Returns to Detention After Hospital Treatment
Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of ‘Strong Georgia’, has been transferred back to Dusheti detention facility after receiving ambulatory treatment at Vivamed clinic, the hospital confirmed to IPN. His lawyer, Giorgi Rekhviashvili, awaits a court hearing on preventive measures, expected later today. Elisashvili was detained on December 4 near Courtyard Marriott following an opposition meeting, in connection with alleged violence against Ali Babaev, chairman of the National Congress of Azerbaijanis in Georgia.
09:52 – Parliament Switches from Red to Yellow Security Level
Parliament administration announced that the building has transitioned from red to yellow security level starting December 6. Under the new regime, public access remains restricted, with only invited guests permitted to attend parliamentary events, including committee and plenary sessions. Media access is limited to one accredited crew per broadcaster.
09:00 – Norwegian FM Condemns Brutal Force Against Protesters, Reaffirms Support for EU Integration
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, condemned the use of brutal force by Georgian police and security forces against protesters, media workers, civil society, and opposition figures. He described the recent scenes in Georgian streets as incompatible with European and Euro-Atlantic integration, as well as the democratic values Georgia has committed to. Eide expressed concern over the arrests, raids on opposition offices, and attacks on civil society, noting that these actions threaten Georgia’s democratic progress and its European aspirations. He called for the immediate release of those detained for exercising their rights and demanded accountability for the violence. Norway reiterated its strong support for Georgia’s European future and commitment to democratic principles.
Thursday, December 5
22:45 – MIA Says It Conducted Multiple Arrests in Connection with the Protest Rallies
MIA said it arrested five individuals in Tbilisi and the Imereti region on charges of organizing, leading, participating in, and publicly calling for violent acts in groups. The arrested individuals are: born in 1996, in 1990, born in 1975, in 1996, and a foreign citizen born in 1997. The crimes are punishable by up to 9 years of imprisonment. The MIA said defendants did not obey and resisted the employees MIA during the ongoing protests on Rustaveli Avenue, as well as “actively participated in group violence and threw various objects at the police officers.”
Also, said MIA, within the framework of the ongoing investigation, a search was conducted in the residential apartments of 4 people in Tbilisi due to urgent necessity, from which MIA officers “seized firearms, a large amount of money, memory cards, and computer equipment.” The investigation is underway under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 225 (Organization, management or participation in group violence) and Part 1 of Article 239 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code.
In addition, in the framework of the ongoing protests, 13 people have been arrested under Articles 225 and 239 of the Criminal Code, which include organizing, leading or participating in group violence and publicly calling for violent actions. In addition, one person has been arrested on charges of preparing an explosion. Also, within the framework of the ongoing protests, an investigation is underway under Articles 187 (Damage or destruction of property) and 353 (Resistance, threat or violence against a protector of public order or other representative of the authorities) of the Criminal Code, under which 9 people have been arrested so far.
22:37 – Musicians Announce Strike, Refuse Participation in State Funded Events
Nearly 100 Georgian musicians announced a strike against the “illegitimate government,” saying they won’t take part in any state-funded public events and will continue to fight against the regime that physically assaults, arrests and beats peaceful demonstrators to bring Georgia back on the EU path.
20:41 – Police Arrests 15-year Old Demonstrator in Kutaisi
Police arrests a 15-year old demonstrator during the protest in Kutaisi. A video footage depicts him lying on the ground and semi-conscious after a confrontation between police and protesters. Other protesters can be heard accusing the police of using violence against a “kid”.
20:29 – Elisashvili Transferred to Hospital with Serious Injuries
One of the leaders of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, Aleko Elisashvili, has been transferred from the Dusheti detention center to the Vivamedi clinic for medical examination. The press service of the coalition told Interpressnews that Elisashvili has injuries on his face and may have a broken rib. He was physically assulted and arrested yesterday, the Prosecutor charged him for political discrimination today.
20:03 – Police Detains Two Activists
Police has detained actor Andro Chichinadze and comedian Onise Tskhadadze. The details about why they have been detained are unknown. Both of them have been actively protesting against the government’s u-turn from the EU path.
20:00 – Rallies Across Georgia on 8th Day of Non-Stop Protests
Crowds gather on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue for the 8th day of mass protests. Rallies were held in other Georgian cities, including Kutaisi, Zugdidi, and Batumi. Discontent is growing as authorities intensify repression, including police searches and arrests of opposition members and activists participating in the protests.
18:40 – Prosecutor Charges Elisashvili for Political Discrimination
The Prosecutor General’s Office has charged one of the leaders of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, Aleko Elisashvili, with political discrimination against Ali Babaevi, the chairman of the Georgian-Azerbaijani National Congress and one of the founders of the ruling Georgian Dream party. The Prosecutor said Elisashvili verbally and physically assaulted Babaevi on December 2. He is charged with violating the second part of Article 156 (a) of the Criminal Code (persecution of a person in connection with political activity, committed by violence) and faces up to 3 years in prison.
18:00 – German MPs Show Support at Berlin Rally for Georgia’s European Path
According to Georgian civil activist group GZA’s Facebook post, a rally in Berlin drew representatives from 4 Bundestag factions and approximately 10 high-ranking politicians, who expressed support for Georgian citizens’ aspirations for freedom and European integration.
18:00 – Police Preparing to Enter Davit Kezerashvili’s Apartment on Amagleba Street
Police are currently present at 12 Amagleba Street, preparing to enter the apartment of Davit Kezerashvili. Further details on the situation are awaited.
17:45 – Protesters Block Rustaveli Avenue After Theatre Director Closes Doors to Culture Representatives
Protesters blocked Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi after the director of the Rustaveli Theatre, Robert Sturua, closed the theatre doors to representatives from the cultural sector. The group had planned to enter the theatre to discuss a joint action plan and reach a common stance, but Sturua’s refusal to allow them in led to the blockage of the busy avenue as tensions rose over the situation.
17:00 – Public Defender: 188 Detained Protesters Report Police Ill-Treatment
Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani said on the briefing that out of 260 individuals detained during recent protests, 188 have alleged police ill-treatment. The Ombudsman’s office has conducted visits to detention facilities across 15 cities. Ioseliani highlighted “alarming cases of police misconduct”, including the arrest of opposition politician Aleko Elisashvili, who sustained visible facial injuries. The case has been referred to the Special Investigation Service. The Public Defender also noted violations of citizens’ rights near metro exits during protests and called on the Interior Ministry to “strictly adhere” to established procedures for conducting searches. Regarding the ongoing situation in schools, Ioseliani stressed that while students have rights to assembly and expression, “politicization of schools and third-party interference in the educational process are prohibited.”
16:50 – Protests Continue as Part of Culture Sector Strikes
Large scale protests called “People’s Assembly” continue in the country. Representatives of the cultural sector, who have gone on strike, are inviting everyone who wants to restore constitutional order in the country to gather near the Rustaveli Theatre. “this is a national crisis” said Kakha Kintsurashvili, one of the prominent actors.
16:45 – Another Student’s Protest in Kutaisi
Students of Akaki Tsereteli State University held another protest in Kutaisi, condemning the violence against peaceful demonstrators and the Prime Minister’s decision to halt EU integration. Students plan to march towards the Kutaisi City Hall.
16:27 – German FM Calls on Georgian Gov’t to Return to EU Path
German Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock stated at the OSCE meeting today in Malta: “We applaud the courage of the people of Georgia who take to the streets to defend democracy and European values. We call on the Georgian government to return to the European path. It is the government that is deviating from this path in its words and actions.”
Notably, the OSCE ministerial was also attended by the Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili.
16:00 – The Netherlands wants the EU to suspend the visa-free regime with Georgia
Casper Veldkamp, Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, condemns the violence against peaceful demonstrators and journalists in Georgia and calls on the EU to suspend the visa-free regime. He comments as follows: “The violence against protesters and journalists, and the arrests of politicians in Georgia are unacceptable. That is why the Netherlands will call on the EU to suspend its visa-free arrangements with Georgia. I welcome the Baltic initiative to impose individual travel bans.”
15:50 – Protesters Blocked Jvari-Mestia Crossroads
The Jvari-Mestia crossroads, which links Svaneti and Samegrelo, has been blocked by citizens. The protesters have specific demands, including the organization of new elections, a return to the EU integration path, and the release of all individuals arrested during the dispersal of the seven consecutive days of rallies.
15:20 – Coalition for Change’s Malashkhia Fined 500 GEL
Nana Malashkhia, one of the leaders of the opposition Coalition for Change party was fined 500 GEL [USD 176] for blocking the road during protests near Tbilisi State University on 19 November.
14:32 – U.S. Secretary of State Condemns Georgian Dream’s Violence
On December 4, 2024, U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement strongly condemning recent violence by the Georgian Dream party against the demonstrators, stating that those responsible for suppressing peaceful assembly and expression will face consequences, and the U.S. is preparing additional sanctions to ensure accountability.
13:30 – Another Protest Near Parliament
The protest of the older generation, particularly grandparents, takes place in front of the parliament. Individuals condemn the violence against young people that took place during the seven consecutive days of dispersal of the rally. Civil society believes that protests should also take place during the daytime.
13:00 – MIA Arrested Three Individuals
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has arrested three individuals, including a 20-year-old, on charges of organizing and directing violent group activities against police officers under the Georgian Criminal Code; the 20-year-old is accused of systematic violence against police officers, while two others, aged 25 and 31, have been charged with assaulting police officers under Article 353 Prima. These offences carry a penalty of up to 9 years’ imprisonment. The MIA is investigating various criminal acts committed by “violent groups” during ongoing protests, leading to the arrest of 9 individuals under Articles 187(Damage or destruction of property) and 353 Prima (Attacking a police officer, employee of the Special Penitentiary Service or other representative of authority or a public institution) and 8 more under Articles 225 (Organization, management or participation in group violence) and Article 239 (Hooliganism).One individual has also been arrested for preparing an explosion.
12:40 – SIS Launches Investigation into Police Violence and Journalist Interference
On December 5, the Special Investigation Service of Georgia announced an ongoing investigation into allegations of excessive use of power, violence, and interference with journalists during protests in Tbilisi in November and December 2024. The investigation, under Articles 333 and 154 of the Criminal Code, has received 319 reports of rights violations, including complaints from protesters and media representatives. The service has examined 140 individuals, including five journalists, and 42 citizens have undergone medical evaluations.
12:00 – Ukraine Imposed Sanctions on Ivanishvili and his Associates
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and his associates—19 individuals “who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people”, Ukraine’s President Volodymir Zelenskyy said. He urged Europe, America, and the entire world to do the same— “to act decisively and with principle.”
11:15 – Ukraine Sanctions Bidzina Ivanishvili and his Associates
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and his associates—19 individuals “who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people”, Ukraine’s President Volodymir Zelenskyy. He urged Europe, America, and the entire world to do the same— “to act decisively and with principle.”
11:00 – Opposition Launches United Information Center to Keep Citizens Informed
During a briefing with opposition parties, it was announced that a United Opposition Information Center will be established starting today. This initiative aims to keep citizens well-informed by providing accurate updates, assessments, and details on the decisions and actions being taken by the opposition.
11:00 – Police Arrest Multiple Individuals, Including One for Allegedly Assaulting Officer
On December 5, Tbilisi police department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said it arrested an individual, S.J., born in 2006, on charges of assaulting a police officer. The crime carries a penalty of up to 7 years of imprisonment.
The police reports that on November 30, 2024, during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, “the accused, armed with a knife, attacked an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with the intent to cause harm”. The investigation is being conducted under the first part of Article 353 of the Criminal Code. Additionally, 7 individuals have been arrested under Articles 225 and 239 of the Criminal Code, which relate to organizing, leading or participating in group violence and publicly inciting violent actions. One person was also arrested for preparing an explosion.
09:50 – NCDC Management Silent Due to Alleged GD Influence, Claims Statement
The statement published in two languages -Georgian and English, on the official LinkedIn page of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC) says that the Center’s management is silent due to the high number of corrupt, crooked staff and GD (Georgian Dream) supporters within the Center. It sates that the Center management “is silent because of the property donated by Bidzina [Ivanishvili].”
The part of the statement in the English language, addresses NCDC’s international partners and says: “We would like to inform you that our staff and management are full of corruption and are silencing their voices against the ongoing process in Georgia.”
Wednesday, December 4
22:55 – MIA’s Operational Planning Unit Head Resigns
Irakli Shaishmelashvili, Operational Planning Unit head at Interior Ministry’s Special Tasks Department, responsible for current violent police dispersals, submitted his resignation. He uploaded his resignation letter on Facebook with Georgian and EU flag symbols.
22:10 – Thugs Attack Opposition, Police Arrests Opposition Leaders
In front of the Marriott Hotel on Freedom Square, mobilized thugs attacked opposition leaders who were meeting at the hotel to discuss their plans of action following the police raids earlier in the day. During the physical confrontation, the police joined the thugs in their attack and arrested the athlete and one of the leaders of the opposition party Ahali, Zurab Davitashvili.
Police also arrested one of the leaders of the “Strong Georgia” coalition, Aleko Elisashvili, for allegedly assaulting Ali Babaevi, the chairman of the Georgian-Azerbaijani National Congress. Babaevi claimed yesterday that Elisashvili had verbally and physically abused him, forcing him to be hospitalized.
During the confrontation the police damaged the camera of TV Pirveli.
21:20 – Police Seizes Demonstrators’ Protective Gear, Arrests Two
Following police raids on opposition offices and activists’ homes, Georgian citizens took to the streets in protests in four major cities – Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and Zugdidi. The situation in Tbilisi quickly became tense, with police waiting for demonstrators in metro stations, searching them and taking away their gas masks and other protective equipment. Two people have already been arrested after a physical confrontation in front of the Freedom Square metro station.
19:17 – President Summons Head of SIS, He Refuses
President Salome Zurabishvili reported that due to the police raids conducted today, she invited the head of the Special Investigation Service, Koka Katsitadze, to a meeting. She noted that the presidential administration couldn’t reach him by phone. President Zurabishvili said that this is the institution responsible for investigating the facts of violence by law enforcement agencies. However, the head of the SIS refused to be summoned.
18:37 – Zurabishvili Calls Strong International Pressure on Rulling Party
President Salome Zurabishvili has called on international partners to apply strong pressure on the ruling party. Her comment is as follows: :”My urgent call to our partners and those who want to prevent crisis to go deeper and instability, it is time to put strong pressure on a ruling party that is driving the country over the cliff! Do not be late… !”
18:35 – Unity-UNM’s Young Members Arrested
Several members of the Unity-UNM youth organization have been arrested, but the charges for their detention are not yet known. Arrested individuals include: Davit Gedenidze, Vakhtang Gagnidze, Irakli Ardia, Saba Birkaia, and Mishiko Janikashvili.
16: 50 – Nika Gvaramia and Gela Khasaia Arrested
One of the leaders of the opposition alliance Coalition for Change Nika Gvaramia and Gela Khasaia of the same coalition have been arrested by the police.
16:02 – Police Block Unity-UNM Office During Search, Deny Access to Leaders and Journalists
Police entered the office of Unity-UNM’s youth organization on Brosse Street for search purposes, blocking access to both journalists and party leaders. Sopo Japaridze, a Unity-UNM leader, was denied entry to the building. When she demanded to see the search warrant, police claimed it had already been presented to those inside. Levan Khabeishvili, another Unity-UNM leader, also requested to see the relevant documents, but his demands were ignored.
Law enforcement officers continued to block access, preventing both journalists and Unity-UNM members from entering the premises. No information has been released regarding the investigation being conducted inside.
15:45 – Police Briefly Enter Opposition Coalition’s Office
Police entered the office of the opposition party, the Coalition for Change. After the Coalition leaders demanded the submission of search order related to the investigation, the police left the office.
15:02- Police Search Home of “Daitove” Leader Ilia Ghlonti
Police initiated a search of the home of Ilia Ghlonti, a leader of the public group “Daitove.” The group has been prominent in mobilizing protest movement on social networks. Police have charged him with “organization or management of a group activity accompanied by violence, raids, damage, or destruction” and participation in disorder. Notably, the search began before Ghlonti’s lawyer arrived at the scene.
14:50 – Council of Europe Urges De-escalation and Dialogue Amid Georgia’s Political Crisis
The Council of Europe’s Secretary General, Alain Berset, has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and political deadlock in Georgia. In recent calls with President Salome Zurabishvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, he underscored the need for de-escalation, constructive dialogue, and adherence to the Council’s core values, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Emphasizing the importance of investigating allegations of excessive force during demonstrations, Berset reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting Georgia’s European aspirations and democratic stability. With plans to visit Georgia soon, the Secretary General reiterated the organization’s readiness to assist through its ongoing Action Plan.
13:34- EaP CSF Steering Committee Urges EU Support and Electoral Reforms to Counter Democratic Backsliding in Georgia
The Eastern Partnership (EaP) Civil Society Forum(CSF) Steering Committee has strongly condemned the Georgian government’s recent actions, warning that the country is dangerously drifting towards Russian influence due to the erosion of democratic values. The Committee stands in solidarity with Georgian civil society, It also rejects the results of the October 2024 parliamentary elections, urging international supervision for their reorganization. The Committee calls on the Georgian authorities to resume EU accession talks, withdraw regressive laws, and investigate the violence against civil society and media. Additionally, it urges the EU to increase support for Georgian civil society and impose sanctions on those responsible for electoral fraud and state violence. The EaP CSF remains committed to supporting Georgia’s resistance to authoritarianism and its rightful place in the European family.
14:00 – MIA Arrested One Individual
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has arrested a 42-year-old man for “intentionally damaging a video surveillance camera in Mziuri Park” after leaving the protest on Rustaveli Avenue; If convicted, he will be facing up to five years in prison. The individual has been charged under Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertains to the damage or destruction of property.
13:10 – GYLA Calls for ICC Referral Over Brutality During Protests
Nona Kurdovanidze, the leader of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), stated that the protests revealed political discrimination, torture, and suffering, manifested in physical violence and severe mental and physical abuse. Kurdovanidze noted that “continued systematic and violent repression may constitute grounds for referral to the International Criminal Court,” as it violates Article 7 of the Rome Statute, which defines crimes against humanity. GYLA announced plans to raise these allegations of brutality with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and to establish coordinating mechanisms to assist those arrested or violently abused during the dispersals.
12:43 – Gamkrelidze Warns of Strained US-Georgia Relations and Paused Health Projects
According to former head of the National Center for Disease Control, Amiran Gamkrelidze, dozens of public health projects that Georgia was working on in partnership with the United States have been paused. He confirmed that many projects, including those led by the CDC, have been halted due to the political situation, although projects with other partners, like the Defence and Threat Reduction Agency, continue. Gamkrelidze stressed the importance of restoring these collaborations quickly, emphasizing that the absence of US partnerships in the healthcare sector could hinder Georgia’s development.
12:39- Journalist Giorgi Chagelishvili Fined 2,000 GEL After Arrest at Rally
Public Broadcaster journalist Giorgi Chagelishvili has been fined 2,000 GEL (697 USD) after being arrested during the dispersal of a rally near Metro Rustaveli on December 2. Despite Chagelashvili stating that he was carrying out his professional duties, the police proceeded with his detention.
12:13 – Domino Halts Sale of Gas Masks, Pyrotechnics Shops and Warehouses Sealed
Gas masks will no longer be sold at Domino, one of Georgia’s largest DIY-format hypermarkets. As confirmed by Commersant, Bussiness Online Media, through Domino’s social media, “the stock will not be replenished.” Gas masks, helmets, and goggles are also unavailable for purchase, with reports circulating on media that the remaining reserves have been sealed. As police have been heavily using the tear gas to disperse the protests, the demand for masks has surged in Tbilisi in recent days. Additionally, it was reported yesterday that the Revenue Service sealed the pyrotechnics stock at the Lilo Market. Pyrotechnics have been used by the protesters to fend off the special forces and riot police during the demonstrations.
12:10 – Ministry of Health Reports 15 Hospitalized in December 3 Protest
The Ministry of Health has released daily statistics on individuals injured during the December 3 protest. A total of 15 people were hospitalized, including 11 activists, three media workers, and one employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The data only includes for those hospitalized by the Emergency Coordination and Emergency Care Center.
12:00 – Medical Staff Demand Clarity on Chemicals Used in Protest Dispersals
Medical staff are urging the Ministry of Health to clarify which chemicals were used during the dispersal of protests. They warn that the large number of gas capsules deployed against protesters could pose serious health risks and potentially cause pathologies. Despite the protests entering their sixth consecutive day, the Ministry of Health has not yet provided any information regarding the chemicals used during the dispersals.
06:25 – Protest Ended on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue
The participants of the protest ended their march on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue. Earlier the riot police had dispersed them from Rustaveli Avenue, then the crowd moved to Chavchavadze Avenue, crossed it and marched to Vaha-Pshavela Avenue.
05:35 – Protesters March on Vazha Pshavle Avenue
As dawn breaks, protesters reach Vazha Pshavela Avenue. Citizens in the streets of Tbilisi are honking their cars in support.
05:00 – Protesters Move March through Chavchavadze Ave
By 5am, protesters had been dispersed from Rustaveli Avenue. Earlier, riot police had sandwiched them on the avenue, dispersed them with large amount of tear gas and water cannons, then chasing fleeing groups through the city. A large part of the crowd has moved on to Chavchavadze Avenue, crossing it and marching all the way to Vake Park and City Hall building.
Tuesday, December 3
23:33 – Special Forces Start Using Water Cannons, Tear Gas
The special forces start using water cannons and tear gas heavily to disperse the rally, even though many demonstrators have already left Rustaveli Avenue. They also started arresting the demonstrators who remained in front of the parliament.
23:25 – Special Forces Begin Dispersing the Rally
Special forces began to disperse the demonstrators from Chichinadze Street and Freedom Square. After some water cannon shots from the Parliament building itself, the special forces began to move actively towards the demonstrators. The demonstrators evacuated the area in front of the parliament.
23:04 – German Economic Cooperation Minister: All Cooperation with Georgia Under Review
Svenja Schulze, German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development: “With this Georgian government, development cooperation can no longer be meaningfully implemented. All cooperation with Georgia is under review. No new projects will be done and no loan agreements will be signed. We may take further steps in coordination with the EU and international partners.”
22:55 – MIA Arrests One on Charges of Preparing an Explosion
MIA arrested a 25-year-old demonstrator on charges of preparing an explosion, which is a violation of the first part of 18-229 (e) prima of the Criminal Code and provides for imprisonment up to 7 years. According to MIA, the demonstrator was first arrested for artificially blocking a road and disobeying police orders, and after the police searched him, they found so-called Molotov cocktail on him, which was submitted to eximination and the experts found traces of petroleum products.
21:42 – U.S. Reps. Wilson and Cohen: U.S. Stands with Georgian People
The U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Representative Joe Wilson (SC-02) and Ranking Member Representative Steve Cohen (TN-09) shared on social media: “We stand with the Georgian people and call on both the current and incoming administrations to commit to supporting Georgians in their fight to restore democracy and freedom to their country. The U.S. State Department must take steps to punish those responsible for violating Georgians right to protest peacefully and elect their leaders.”
21:05 – MIA: 5 Arrested Under Criminal Charges, 293 for Administrative Offenses
Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze reported that 5 demonstrators had been arrested on criminal charges of assaulting police and damaging property. Other cases of violation of Articles 187 and 353 of the Criminal Code are under investigation. As for the persons arrested for administrative offenses, their number has reached 293. Of them, the Tbilisi City Court has already sentenced 89 persons, imposed fines on 43, administrative detention on 41 and warnings on 5.
21:02 – Police Begins Arresting Demonstrators in Batumi
One demonstrator has already been arrested in Batumi. The demonstrator protesting with locals in front of the Adjara’s government building.
19:20 – Health Minister: 26 Demonstrators Hospitilized as of December 3
Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze told a briefing that as of December 3, 26 protesters had been hospitalized for various injuries, noting that “in none of the cases is a serious, fatal outcome expected.” Regarding the 22-year-old boy who was hospitalized this morning in danger of losing his eye, which his uncle said was caused by a tear gas canister thrown at him, Sarjveladze claimed that before passing out in the ambulance, the boy said the injury was caused by a firework thrown by a protester. As for his health, Sarjvaladze said that “all his vital signs are normal and all necessary medical procedures are being carried out,” and that if it becomes necessary to transfer him abroad for surgery, “the state will take full responsibility.”
17:30 – Japanese MFA Calls on Georgian Gov’t to ‘Exercise Restraint’
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kitamura Toshihiro issued a statement on the ongoing situation in Georgia, saying: “Japan has been closely monitoring the developments in Georgia following the parliamentary election held on October 26. In particular, we are increasingly concerned about the situation since November 28, following the announcement by the Georgian government that it would not begin the EU accession process until the end of 2028, in which protesters and the security authorities have clashed, resulting in many arrests and injuries. Japan calls on the Georgian government to exercise restraint in order to avoid deterioration of the situation and hopes that it will take a constructive measures to gain the understanding of its people and that the situation will be calmed down soon.”
17:00 – Protest Against Illegal Detentions and Police Brutality at Police Headquarters
Citizens and members of various NGOs gathered in front of the police headquarters to protest against illegal arrests and recent police brutality. The demonstrators are calling for an end to the persecution, which they say is being suppressed by the police and law enforcement agencies through various means.
16:39 – Education Ministry Decries School Disruptions, Calls for “Child Protection”
The Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth has expressed strong disapproval of recent disruptions in educational institutions. In a statement, the ministry accused specific individuals of pressuring schools by urging strikes, and inciting discord among students. Highlighting the importance of a safe and discrimination-free learning environment, the ministry emphasized that involving minors in political activities and disrupting education are unacceptable. “Such actions violate minors’ constitutional right to receive general education and create a basis for a violent environment”, the statement claims.
16:33 – Activist Kharkheli not Arrested, Police Searches Her House
Activist Dodo Kharkheli was not arrested. Her house was searched by police who took all the electronic devices belonging to her, her husband and their child, including laptops, phones, flash drives, etc.
16:30 – KIU Students Went on Strike
Students of the Kutaisi International University (KIU), founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, have gone on strike. 700 students addressed the rector with a series of demands, including the suspension of their studies due to the current situation in the country. After receiving a refusal from the administration, the students organised a march from the campus to the lecture halls, demanding dialogue.
16:05- Mihkelson: Presidential Institution is the Only Independent Constitutional Institution Left
Commenting on the Constitutional Court’s recent decision to reject President Zurabishvili’s appeal, Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Estonian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, said: “Not surprising. This only confirms that the presidential institution is the only independent constitutional institution left in Georgia. Georgian Dream wants to destroy this independence on December 14th.”
16:00 – Breaking: Constitutional Court Rejects Appeals by President and Opposition MPs
Constitutional Court of Georgia issued its decision on December 3 rejected appeals by President Zurabishvili and more than 30 former opposition MPs challenging the constitutionality of the October 26 parliamentary elections.
15:50 – Stephen Doughty Condemns Police Violence in Georgia, Urges for De-escalation
Stephen Doughty, UK’s Minister of State for Europe, has condemned the recent violence by riot police against protesters and journalists, calling it a serious breach of the right to freedom of assembly, as noted by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. He urged the Georgian government to de-escalate the brutality, warning that “continued steps away from democratic norms and freedoms will only serve to harm Georgia’s international reputation, and risk fundamentally damaging relations with Georgia’s friends and partners.”
14:59 – Gakharia Accuses Unofficial Group of Protester Violence, Enjoying Impunity
Former Prime Minister and current leader of the Gakharia for Georgia party, Giorgi Gakharia, stated during a briefing that the party suspects that the masked individuals among the special forces and riot police who attack and beat peaceful demonstrators with extreme violence are members of an unofficial group and don’t work for the Interior Ministry. Gakharia suspects that these masked members of the informal group have been guaranteed impunity.
He noted that during yesterday’s rally, members of his party were severely beaten, two of whom were hospitalized and two of whom were detained.
He called on the Honorary Chairman of the GD, Bidzina Ivanishvili, to stop the violence against the youth and to take off the masks of the aggressors, who, due to the guaranteed impunity, are resorting to extreme violence. Gakharia also asked the Ministry of Health to provide the number of demonstrators who were hospitalized during and after the protests and asked the MIA to provide information on all arrested demonstrators, where they are, how they are, how to contact them and when they will be transferred to the court.
13:30 – Activist Dodi Kharkheli Arrested, Police Mobilized for Investigation
Dodi Kharkheli, a blogger and activist, was arrested by the police near her child’s kindergarten. According to the reports, the police had been mobilized near activist’s home for search.
13:20 – Lithuania Holds Rally in Support of Georgia’s EU/NATO Aspirations
Žygimantas Pavilionis, Chair of European Affairs Committee of Lithuania’s Parliament, said on X that a rally in support of the Georgian people was held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. His comment is as follows: “Solidarity event in Vilnius to express wholehearted support of Lithuania to our sisters & brothers in Georgia fighting against Russian dream / Georgian nightmare & for its rightful place in the EU / NATO.”
13:15 – Teachers and Students Protest Continue Across Georgia
Protests have erupted in Tbilisi and various Georgian regions, including Zugdidi, Batumi, Rustavi, and Khashuri as teachers and students condemn the Georgian Dream (GD) government’s decision to halt EU accession talks, stating that Georgia belongs to the EU. The school pupils are taking to streets and voicing their opposition to the political decision and the government’s handling of the situation, highlighting that they “ don’t want to become Russia.”
12:50 – MIA Arrested 37-Year-Old for Molotov Cocktail Attack
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has arrested a 37-year-old individual facing up to 7 years in prison. The individual is charged under Article 353 of the Criminal Code for assaulting police officers and public institutions, specifically for using a Molotov cocktail against the police. So far, five people have been detained, and the MIA continues to investigate “criminal acts committed by violent groups” under Articles 187 (Damage or destruction of property) and 353 (Assault on police officers or other representatives of the authorities or on a public institution).
12:40 – Ministry of Health: 26 Hospitalized After December 2 Protests
The Ministry of Health reported that 26 individuals, including 23 activists and 3 representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, were hospitalized following the December 2 protests. The Ministry confirmed that none of the individuals’ lives are in danger, and all those requiring hospitalization received medical assistance, including protesters, media representatives, and riot police members.
12:25 – NATO Secretary General Condemns Violence in Georgia
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commented on the ongoing processes in Georgia, saying: “The reports of violence are deeply concerning and I condemn them unequivocally. I urge the government to do all it can to promote peace and stability and I think this is in interest of all Georgians. NATO is an alliance based on democracy, based on values, based on respect for freedom and democracy as a concept but also as a day-to-day reality. I believe strongly that these values are the basis for our collective peace and prosperity.”
Rutte also stated that all NATO allies are making clear that actions that undermine democracy in Georgia are wrong and urge the Georgian government to not retreat on its path of Euro-Atlantic integration.
12:20 – Joe Wilson: Donald Trump would Stand with the people of Georgian, not the Current Regime
In an interview, Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, expressed strong support for the Georgian people’s ongoing protests against government violence, drawing parallels to past democratic movements in Eastern Europe. He emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for the violence accountable, advocating for sanctions against those who organize suppression. Wilson also reiterated his position that the Georgian government, led by the “Georgian Dream” party, is illegitimate due to widespread electoral violations and constitutional breaches. Regarding U.S.-Georgia relations, he clarified that despite claims from Georgian officials, he believes President Donald Trump, a supporter of democracy, “would stand with the people of Georgia, and not with the regime that rigged the elections.”
12:00 – EU Commissioner Marta Kos: “Your Will Should Be Respected”
Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, reiterated her support and respect for the Georgian people’s will to follow the EU integration path. Her comments follow: “Today I spoke with President Zourabichvili about the worrying situation in Georgia. I praise the brave determination of Georgian people to continue on the path to Europe. Your will should be respected. No more business as usual. The EU is on your side.”
11:00 – GYLA Condemns Forceful Dispersal of December Protests, Highlights Safety Concerns
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) condemned the forceful dispersal of protests on December 2-3, criticizing the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators. They highlighted the dangers posed by gas capsules released from the roof of buildings, warning that such actions can severely harm individuals’ health and well-being. The GYLA also noted that when special forces began targeting protesters on Shevchenko Street, the lights on Rustaveli Avenue and surrounding areas, including Shevchenko Street, were temporarily switched off, further escalating the tense situation.
10:26 – German Bundestag Foreign Affairs Chair Calls for EU Sanctions Over Georgia’s “Rigged Election”
Michael Roth, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) about the importance of taking decisive action to support freedom fighters and pro-European advocates in Georgia. He called for EU sanctions against those responsible for election rigging and violence against peaceful demonstrators. Roth also stressed the need for the international community to refuse the recognition of “the rigged election and demand for free+fair elections!”.
07:49 – Salome Zurabishvili: “Elections Manipulated by Russia, Special Forces Sustaining Brutality with Drugs”
“This is a nationwide protest. I have never seen such a large-scale movement in Georgia’s cities”, President Salome Zurabishvili said in an interview with France Inter, a prominent French public radio station. She also spoke about Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections, which she described as “skilfully stolen with the help of Russia and its system”. According to Zurabishvili, Russian-led repression is currently taking place in Georgia. “We are witnessing Russian repression carried out by special forces who seem to be under the influence of drugs, as evidenced by their brutality.
She noted that it appears that the special forces are being supplied with substances such as amphetamines “to sustain their endurance during these operations, which have lasted for five consecutive nights”. “Our young people have shown incredible resilience in withstanding this level of violence,” the President added.
03:00 – Clashes Between Demonstrators and “Men in Black”
At 3am, the clashes between demonstrators and unidentified “men in black”, without insignia, have taken a more radical form in the narrower streets of Tbilisi, above Rustaveli Avenue, as demonstrators break up into smaller mobile groups. They use pyrotechnics. The police throw gas canisters and occasionally arrest a stray protester who falls into their hands. The electricity supply to the district has been cut.
01:30 – Some Protesters Move on to Orbeliani Street, Blocking it to Traffic
Part of protesters, who were dispersed several times throughout the night, have moved from the Rustaveli Avenue, through the Freedom Square, to the Orbeliani str, blocking the street for traffic near the Orbeliani square. A large part of protesters remains on Rustaveli avenue.
Monday, December 2
23:10 – Judge Imposes GEL 2,800 Fine on Shota Narsia
Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Enukidze found Shota Narsia, senior researcher for the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), guilty of an administrative offense and fined him GEL 2,800 (USD 984). Narsia was arrested during the early morning dispersal of the December 1 rally. According to his lawyer, Narsia was physically abused by the police, although he did not disobey their orders.
22:25 – Siradze: Rally Dispersal Started Earlier due to an Aggressive Group
Vaja Siradze, Head of the Patrol Police Department, who got sanctioned today by Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, told the journalist that the decision to disperse today’s rally earlier than before was taken because today’s rally started from the beginning with “aggression and violence” from a group of 300-400 people, and the police were “forced to use proportional force” against them. He claimed that this group of people threw firecrackers, bottles and various things at the police and verbally abused them at the same time.
“We all saw in the footage that certain individuals had objects similar to firearms, and we will definitely identify those perpetrators who are violent towards the police and hold them accountable.” He said these people will be identified and punished. Siradze also spoke about the citizens and representatives of the police forces injured during the protest and noted: “When suppressing violations by the police forces in accordance with the law, when using proportional force, some citizens may have to suffer some kind of injury.” He avoided answering question about the multiple cases of the recorded police violence against peaceful protesters.
22:19 – Poet Zviad Ratiani Sentenced to 8 Days in Prison
Tbilisi City Court Judge Zviad Tsekvava sentenced poet Zviad Ratiani to 8 days in prison. Ratiani was arrested during the dispersal of a peaceful rally on November 29. He was brutally beaten during his arrest, and his medical report states that he has “a fracture of the fifth vertebra, a fracture of the nasal bone and septum, hematomas and bruises of varying severity on the head and throughout the body.” He underwent surgery this morning and is still in the hospital.
22:00 – Police Crack Down on Protesters Starts Unusually Early
Special forces violently dispersed peaceful demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue, using water canons to break up the gathering. Protesters were forced to flee toward Republic Square, trying to attack and chase them. The riot police have since blocked major streets and now are targeting peaceful demonstrators who have sought in narrower streets, intensifying the crackdown and escalating tensions in the city. Many demonstrators still stay on the location.
21:16 – Oppossition Member Attacked Near his House
Gela Khasaia, a member of the Coalition for Change, was attacked by three thugs near his home while trying to get to the rally. He was violently beaten, dragged and verbally abused.
19:11 – Police Use Water Cannons and Tear Gas to Disperse Protesters
Special forces, deployed inside the parliament building, started using tear gas and water cannons against peaceful demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue in front of Parliament. However, demonstrators continue their protest.
17:30 – “Teachers for European Future” – Protest rally at the Ministry of Education
Teachers from public and private schools, as well as educators from informal educational spaces, gathered to protest against the government’s U-turn from the EU. The rally expressed concerns about the government’s policy on Georgia’s European future. The demonstrators also demanded the release of detainees and an end to violence.
17:20 – Canada’s FM Mélanie Joly Announces Possible Sanctions
Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada intends to “sanction key individuals, as well as companies and entities involved in human rights violations or corruption, based on our sanctions regime”. Canada reiterated its support and solidarity with the Georgian people and expressed concern about the current political situation in Georgia.
17:00 – Baltic States Sanction Ivanishvili, MIA Officials
GD patron Bidzina Ivanishvili and several high- ranking officials of Georgia’s Interior Ministry have been sanctioned by Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia. They have been barred from entering the countries. The list is as follows:
- Bidzina Ivanishvili: ruling Georgian Dream party founder, currently its Honorary Chair, billionaire businessman considered to be de-facto ruler of Georgia;
- Vakhtang Gomelauri: Minister of Internal Affairs;
- Shalva Bedoidze: Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs;
- Ioseb Chelidze: Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs;
- Aleksandre Darakhvelidze: Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs;
- Giorgi Butkhuzi: Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs;
- Zviad Kharazishvili: U.S.-sanctioned official, also known as “Khareba,” Director of the Special Tasks Department;
- Milleri Lagazauri: U.S.- Sanctioned official, Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department;
- Mirza Kezevadze: Deputy Head of the Special Tasks Department;
- Vaja Siradze: Head of the Patrol Police Department;
- Teimuraz Kupatadze: Director of the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.
16:22 – “The nationwide protests show the strong desire of Georgians to continue on the European path,” says Finland’s President
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has called for urgent talks with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili after the Georgian Dream Party announced a freeze on the country’s EU path. He emphasized that this is a significant departure from Georgia’s constitutionally-backed European integration policy. Stubb stressed that the ongoing nationwide protests reflect the strong desire of Georgians to continue their European trajectory and called for the protests not to be suppressed.
16:15- Giorgi Gabekhadze Resigns from MIA Academy
Giorgi Gabekhadze, a Senior Instructor at the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Georgia, has resigned. He announced this decision on his Facebook page. “The first swallow has appeared from the Ministry of Internal Affairs! This is a sure sign of the collapse of the repressive apparatus!” commented President Zurabishvili on Gabekhadze’s resignation.
16:10 – GTUC Issued Joint Statement on GD’s EU-Turn
The Georgian Trade Unions Confederation (GTUC) has issued a joint statement emphasizing that Georgia’s path to growth and evolution lies in its integration with the European Union. The Confederation strongly disapproved of the Georgian Dream (GD) party’s decision to halt the EU Accession process and questioned why such a critical move, along with the announcement of a new presidential candidacy, was not disclosed to the public before the October 26 elections. Furthermore, the Confederation condemned the recent use of riot police violence against activists, calling the actions unacceptable and urging the government to prioritize democratic values and transparency in its decision-making.
16:00 – Tbilisi State Conservatory Temporarily Shuts Down
Due to current political circumstances, Tbilisi State Conservatory shuts down for 10 day.
15:50- ICC Condemns GD’s EU-Turn
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Georgia has condemned the recent decision by the Georgian Dream (GD) party to halt the EU Accession process until 2028. In a statement, the ICC reaffirmed its strong support for Georgia’s EU integration, warning that this political move could have significant negative consequences for the country’s economy. The Chamber stressed that the decision risks undermining investor confidence, deterring foreign investments, and limiting Georgia’s economic opportunities, particularly in terms of trade
14:18 – “We want Europe!” – Students protest march, heading toward Tbilisi State University
Students are currently holding a protest march. They are heading toward the first building of TSU, where they plan to demand that the state university halt the academic process and allow students to join the protests.
“First of all, our goal is to fight until we turn our desire into reality. Our first demand is that TSU stop delivering classes to give us the opportunity to participate in the protests and achieve our common goal. The goal is to stop this Russian regime and establish Europe in Georgia. We really want to study, we want to accumulate knowledge, but we do not want to attend lectures in Russian or write our midterm exams in Russian language,” says one of the protest participants.
14:10 – Parents Protest near Georgian Government Administration
Parents with their children under the age of 18 are protesting in front of the Georgian government administration, condemning the current political developments and the use of force by the riot police. Ana Natsvlishvili, a member of Strong Georgia, also joined the protests, not as a politician, but as a “mother”, she claimed.
13:30 – Coalition for Change’ s Zurab Japaridze Released
Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, was released after police arrested him on Tamarashvili Avenue and charged him with administrative offences, regarding attempt of artificially blocking the road.
12:30 – Health Minister: 37 Injured Over Past 24 Hours
According to Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze, 37 people, including 24 activists and 12 police officers, have been hospitalized over the past 24 hours. Sarjveladze highlighted the severity of the injuries sustained by both the activists and the police officers, with a particular focus on the serious injuries suffered by the police officers, who were hurt by pyrotechnics.
11:47 – President: Arrested Protesters Are Beaten
President Salome Zurabishvili shared on X that “majority of the arrested protesters have injuries to their heads and faces , broken face bones, eye sockets, open wounds. Have been subjected to systematic beatings between arrest and transport to already overcrowded detention facilities. As reported by lawyers.”
11:02 – Schools, Universities go on Strike in Protest
Teachers, students and graduates of schools in various cities of Georgia went on strike today. In Tbilisi, students of the Komarovi school blocked the road. School protests are taking place in Georgian regions, including Samegrelo, Gori, Kutaisi, Batumi, etc. In addition to schools, university students have also gone on strike both in the capital and in the regions of Georgia.
11:00 – MIA: a Total 224 arrested, Police Officers Injured
According to the Ministry of Interior (MIA), a total of 224 people were arrested during the ongoing protests. The arrests were made under administrative charges of petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobeying lawful police orders (Article 172). A total of 113 MIA staff were injured during the protests.
08:50 – Coalition for Change’ s Zurab Japaridze Arrested
One of the leaders of Coalition for Change Zurab Japaridze has reportedly just been arrested by police near Vake park in Tbilisi.
08:06 – GYLA: Instead of Maintaining Law and Order, MIA Commits Crimes
On December 2, the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) issued a statement, stressing that the police is using practices such as besieging demonstrators while dispersing them and obstructing the work of journalists, which violate human rights and show that instead of maintaining law and order, the MIA is committing crimes.
06:30 – Police Violently Disperse the Demonstrators
At around 6.30am, police units actively moved to disperse the demonstrators, overcoming barricades on Rustaveli Avenue. They surrounded demonstrators, leaving only one street for them to leave Rustaveli Avenue. Some of the demonstrators moved through this street to Chavchavadze ave. The police then chased the rest of the demonstrators and followed them to Rustaveli metro station, where some of them were arrested by force. Some of the demonstrators fled to Chavchavadze Avenue in Vake district, another epicenter of the protests in recent days. At around 7.30am, they closed Chavchavadze Avenue to traffic and are continuing the protest.
01:45 – Riot Police Start Dispersing Protesters
Riot police advance on the protesters and try to disperse them, using water cannon and heavily using tear gas canisters. The protesters retreat and begin to set up barricades.
01:15- Former PM Kvirikashvili Addresses Recent Developments
Former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili issued a statement saying that the authorities are either “misunderstanding” or “ignoring” the protester’s message, adding that “by using force against the youth, the government is taking on a heavy responsibility for the future course of events.”
00:10 – Medics: Georgia’s Place is in the European Union
Representatives of medical profession issued a statement (manifesto) saying that “current rulers of the country do not uphold the law, trample on human rights, commit violence against their own citizens and undermine Georgia’s European future.” The statement says: “We, doctors, stand together with the Georgian people in the struggle for the survival of our freedom and our state. Georgia’s future lies in a democratic international community. Georgia’s place is in the European Union.” They say it’s their duty to save human life, health and dignity, which they can do best “in a free and democratic society.”
00:05 – Deputy Interior Ministry Urges Removal of Minors from Protest, Warns of Legal Action
As another large protest continues, with children under the age of 18 seen taking part, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze urged citizens to stop “illegal activities” and called on “parents and legal representatives of minors to act in the best interests of the child and remove minors from violent environment.” Darakhvelidze accused peaceful demonstrators of carrying out violent attacks on parliament and warned that any illegal activity would be met with an appropriate legal response from the police.
Sunday, December 1
23:40 – Senator Risch Urges Georgia to Halt Violence and Reverse EU-Turn Decision
James E. Risch, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, addressed recent developments in Georgia regarding the Georgian Dream (GD) government’s EU-turn and called on the government to stop the violence against protesters. His comments follow: “The Georgian government’s decision to cancel EU negotiations goes against the wishes of 80% of Georgians and their constitution. It shows the true colors of the current government. Authorities should cease violence against protesters and reverse this decision.”
23:00 – Unity-UNM’s Khabeishvili Targeted by Special Forces
According to Levan Khabeishvili of Unity-UNM, opposition party, special forces attacked him when 15 masked men rushed out of Chichinadze Street and attempted to detain him. However, with the public intervention, the special forces were unable to arrest him. Khabeishvili stated that the special forces were deliberately searching for him, adding that a journalist reported hearing this information while livestreaming. During the April 30 rally against the Foreign Agents Law, Levan Khabeishvili was severely beaten by police.
22:50 – Lithuanian FM: Baltic States to Sanction Georgia Protest Suppressors
Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, wrote on X that “The three Baltic States jointly agreed to impose national sanctions against those who suppressed legitimate protests in Georgia. Opponents of democracy and violators of human rights are not welcome in our countries.”
22:40 – Police Issues Warnings on Chichinadze Street
After at least 15 minutes of water cannon use, police began issuing warnings to the rally. Undeterred, the protesters continued their demonstrations, with some attempting to block the water cannon vehicle at the Chichinadze Street entrance, standing their ground despite the escalating confrontation.
22:25 – Riot Police Use Water Cannons on Chichinadze Street
The situation is becoming tense around the parliament. Riot police used water cannons against protesters on Chichinadze Street, moving towards Rustaveli Avenue. Demonstrators shoot fireworks again.
21:35 – Police Use Water Cannons to Disperse Protesters
Special forces and riot police deployed water cannons from inside the parliament premises to disperse the large crowd of protesters gathered around the building, including those who remained steadfast in front of the parliament. In response, the protesters formed a human wall, standing firm with Georgian flags as a symbol of resistance. Despite the use of force, many protesters remain on Rustaveli Avenue.
20:40 – GYLA Calls for Termination of Cases Against Detainees, Highlights Abuse and Rights Violations
Georgia’s Association of Young Lawyers (GYLA) has addressed the recent detentions by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), demanding the termination of cases against the alleged detainees and the assurance that their rights are fully protected by lawyers. In a Facebook statement, GYLA highlighted claims from detainees of psychological and physical abuse, the confiscation of personal belongings, including mobile phones, and the courts’ disregard for health injuries sustained by detainees.
20:51- Lithuanian President Reaffirms Support for the EU Aspirations of the Georgian People
Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Republic Lithuania, reaffirms support for the European aspirations of Georgian citizens and condemns the use of force against activists. His comments follow: “In my phone call with President Zurabichvili expressed deep concern about recent georgian government decisions to suspend Georgia’s EU membership aspirations. Lithuania strongly supports Georgia’s European integration and democratic values. Any use of force against Georgian citizens is unacceptable. We stand with the people of Georgia on their European path!”
20: 15 – MIA: One Arrested for Damaging Surveillance Camera
MIA said it arrested one person for damaging an object, which carries a penalty of up to six years in prison. The man, born in 1997, “who is a member of a political party”, MIA said, allegedly set fire to the electric wires and power supply unit of the surveillance camera at the parliament building during a rally on Rustaveli Avenue on 29 November this year, “thereby damaging the said device and rendering it inoperable”. The case is being investigated under Article 187, Part 2 of the Criminal Code.
19: 50 – Demonstrators Gathered Near Public Broadcaster Close Kostava Street for Traffic
The demonstrators blocked traffic on Kostava Street in front of the public broadcaster’s building, which leads to the city’s main transport hub. They had set a deadline of 19:30 for the station’s management to meet with them. They accuse the station of spreading false narratives, serving the ruling party and not allowing dissenting opinions to be heard. The protesters, many of whom are journalists, film directors and public figures, are demanding to be allowed on the air.
18:00 – Three Protest Rallies Planned for December 1 in Tbilisi
Three protest rallies are planned for December 1:
18:00 by Public Broadcaster
19:00 by Parliament
19:00 by Bidzina Ivanishvili Residence
Meanwhile protest rallies are taking place in other Georgian cities including Kutaisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, Khashuri, Gori, Ozurgeti, Ateni.
17:00 – Ambassador to U.S. Resigns
Davit Zalkaliani, Georgian ambassador to the United States, has resigned after Georgian Dream’s foreign policy U-turn, Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed on December 1 following media reports.
14:00 – Protesters Continue to Block Vake Intersection
Volunteers provide food as a group of protesters remain in Tbilisi’s Vake district, near the campus of Tbilisi State University on Chavchavadze Avenue, blocking a major intersection following police dispersal in the early morning hours. Other activists arrive to join them.
08:00 – ISFED Reports the Arrest of its Senior Researcher Shota Narsia
The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) reports the arrest of its senior researcher Shota Narsia. According to the watchdog, he was physically assaulted, dragged and beaten by the special forces on the morning of December 1 while peacefully protesting. All of this was captured on video by the media. According to his lawyer, he was also verbally abused after he was taken to the detention center and the police found out about his place of work. The organization calls on the Special Investigation Service to investigate this case of police abuse of authority and expresses its willingness to provide information on who were the police officers who beat Narsia. It also calls on the MIA to transfer Narsia to a hospital for medical examination and demands his immediate release from detention.
07:45 – Protesters Pushed out From Rustaveli Ave, Close Chavchavadze Ave to Traffic, Continue Protest
Rustaveli Avenue has been cleared of protesters by police. Part of the protesters retreated to Chavchavadze Avenue, closing it to traffic. They call on people not to go work, but instead come to join them.
06:00 – Protesters Remain on Rustaveli Avenue
Large number of protesters remain on Rustaveli Avenue. Police continue to disperse those at the front with tear gas, while the majority stay behind. ‘Until the end,’ the protesters chant.
03:00 – Protesters Pushed Towards the Republic Square
After extensive use of tear gas by the MIA, the demonstrators are pushed from the Parliament area towards the Opera and on towards Republic Square. Police chases and arrests the protesters. However, they do not leave. The number of arrested and injured is not known at this moment. Protesters stopped the fire truck carrying water for the water cannons at the Parliament and let the water out.
02:00 – Police Use Tear Gas, Water Cannons to Disperse Protesters
Police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters around the parliament, including large crowds who remained in front of the parliament building. Protesters, however, remain on Rustaveli Avenue.
00:50 – Police Uses Water Cannons, Issues Warnings
The situation is becoming tense around the parliament. Riot police used water cannons against protesters and are now issuing dispersal warnings. Demonstrators shoot fireworks again.
Saturday, November 30
23:50 – Things Heating Up at Parliament Rally
Things are getting tense on Rustaveli Avenue, which remains crowded on the third day of protests after Georgian Dream’s foreign policy U-turn. Some demonstrators were seen smashing windows of the parliament and targeting the parliament building with pyrotechnics. The effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder and honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, was set on fire in front of the building. Fire was also seen inside the parliament building.
Protesters again erected barricades on Rustaveli Avenue. No big police response yet.
23:00 – Ambassador to Lithuania Resigns
Following the string of Ambassadors’ resignations, the Ambassador of Georgia to Lithuania, Salome Shapakidze also quit her post today over the GD’s declared foreign policy U-turn. More.
23:00 – U.S. Suspends Strategic Partnership with Georgia
Mathew Miller, the U.S. State Department Spokesperson, stated on November 30 that the U.S. suspended the Strategic Partnership with Georgia. The decision follows the ruling GD’s unilateral halt of EU accession negotiations. More.
22:00 – MIA Warns With “Lawful Response” Amid Ongoing Parliament Rally
The Georgian Interior Ministry has warned of a “lawful response”, claiming that the actions of the part of demonstrators “turned violent” shortly after the start of the current rally near the parliament on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue. The MIA said in its statement that rally participants damaged fences and broke glass on “up to ten” windows on the facade of the parliament building. According to the statement, the rally participants “mobilized” pyrotechnics, stones, and various heavy objects, “which they are likely to again use against the law enforcers”. The statement comes as crowds gather on Rustaveli Avenue for the third consecutive day to protest Georgian Dream’s foreign policy U-turn and police brutality during the past two nights of protests.
20:30 – Public Broadcaster Goes On Air with Protesters
Public Broadcaster began a live broadcast with journalists who arrived at the building today to protest against its biased coverage and editorial policy. The live is hosted by Tinatin Berdzenishvili, the station’s director. The guests are protesting that the station does not report events fairly, but in favour of the government’s interests, and does not allow opposition figures on the air.
20:20 – Brussels Correspondent for Pro-Government Rustavi 2 Channel Quits
Tamar Nutsubidze, Brussels correspondent for Rustavi 2, a local TV channel that has recently come under influence of the ruling party, has quit following GD’s EU turn and the subsequent protests. “We have never been so far from Europe as we are now. Ten years ago I came to Brussels to cover the European integration of my country. That is why I feel responsible to you, the viewers, and I am leaving Rustavi 2,” she wrote on social media.
19:15 – Georgia’s Acting Ambassador to Italy Resigns
Georgia’s acting ambassador to Italy, Irakli Vekua, has reportedly resigned from his post, apparently in protest at the GD’s foreign policy U-turn.
19:00 – Protests Ongoing in Various Georgian Cities
Protests are ongoing in Georgian cities of Akhaltsikhe, Kutaisi, Khashuri, Gori, Aspindza and others. People took to streets following GD’s foreign policy U-turn as announced on November 28.
18:00 – Journalists Demand Access to Public Broadcasting
The journalists have camped in front of the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GBP) building, demanding the channel to broadcast a full range of opinions and stop spreading the ruling party propaganda. They demand live access, discussing with the General Director and Board Chair of the GBP. GBP is broadcasting this ongoing heated exchange live. Almost simultaneously, GBP published a statement at 14:25, condemning “violence and disproportional use of force” as well as violence against journalists, calling on the authorities to “promptly and effectively investigate these acts and ensure a safe working environment for journalists.” The statement reads that GPB is “a European idea and institution and will always continue to fulfill its duties towards the society.”
17: 55 – OSCE/IDIHR “Deeply Concerned” Over Action of Law Enforcement and “Serious Breach of Right to Freedom on Peaceful Assembly”
OSCE/ODIHR issued statement expressing its “deep concern” over the action of law enforcement and over “serious breach of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly” after police used water cannons, pepper spray, and batons to disperse protests in Tbilisi.
17:38 – Court sentences two detained protesters to administrative detention
Judge Koba Chagunava sentenced two citizens, Giorgi Tsakatze and Zurab Tsiklauri, to five and four days of administrative sentence today. They were detained on the night of November 28-29. A total of 150 people were detained on that night and are being accused of disobeying police and minor hooliganism. The Special Investigation Service is investigating the excessive use of police force during that demonstration.
17:00 – Ambassador of Georgia to the Netherlands Resigns
The Georgian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, David Solominia, has resigned from his post. In his letter of resignation, he wrote that that he had carried out his professional duties in good faith, while believing that he could influence the processes in any war, and as of today he doesn’t believe that anymore.
14:10 – Romanian MFA Expresses Solidarity with Georgian People, Diplomats
The Romanian Foreign Ministry expressed its solidarity with the Georgian people and diplomats. “As an EU member, Romania stands in full solidarity with the people of Georgia in their legitimate struggle for dignity, freedom and European future. Our solidarity also goes to diplomats that rallied in support of the European path of Georgia,” the Ministry wrote on X.
14:00 – Protest Fallout: Graffiti at Parliament Calling for Revolution and Insulting GD Covered Up
After last night’s protest, the municipal cleaning service was ordered to remove graffiti from the walls of the Georgian Parliament building. The inscriptions, insulting Bidzina Ivanishvili and the ruling Georgian Dream party and calling for revolution, were quickly covered with black spray paint. While the situation remains calm for now, it is expected to be short-lived as citizens plan to gather again this evening.
13:30 – Swedish FM: GD Rejects Georgia’s European Future, We Support People
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria M Stenergard reacts to the ongoing protests in Georgia in a social media post: “Shocking violence against peaceful protesters and journalists in Georgia. Georgian government must respect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The EU has opened its door to Georgia; Georgian Dream has chosen to reject Georgia’s European future. Sweden will continue to support the aspirations of the Georgian people.”
12:00 – Lithuanian MFA Diplomats, Employees Express Solidarity with Georgian Colleagues
Diplomats and employees of the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry issued a joint statement expressing solidarity with their Georgian colleagues who distanced themselves from the GD’s decision to halt the country’s EU accession efforts. “We wholeheartedly welcome the courageous move by our Georgian colleagues to make their voice heard,” the statement reads.
“We strongly believe that Georgia is a European State and its future lies within the EU and NATO. The aspirations of Georgian people, with more than 80 percent of them supporting Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, cannot be let down,” the signatories say.
They also call on diplomats and employees of Ministries of Foreign Affairs of other states to join this action of solidarity with their Georgian colleagues.
10:45 – French MFA Concerned by Reports of Repression Against Demonstrators and Journalists
The French Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing concern at reports of repression against demonstrators and journalists and calling for the right to peaceful protest. “Fundamental freedoms, political pluralism and civil society must be respected,” the statement says. The French Foreign Ministry also said it would “continue to maintain strong ties with the Georgian people and support their European aspirations, which must not be betrayed”.
08:30 – MIA: 107 Arrested
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) issued a statement saying 107 people have been arrested during the protest under administrative charges of petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobeying lawful police orders (Article 173). The MIA said 10 of its officers were injured during the protests.
06:10 – Police Crack Down on Protesters
At around 6.10am, the police, most of them with their faces covered, as well as unidentifiable “men in black”, began without warning a punitive operation to clear Rustaveli Avenue, with the police pouring down from the adjacent streets of Rustaveli Avenue, effectively encircling the demonstrators and beating them. They then chased the demonstrators to Republic Square, attacking them sporadically as they cleared Rustaveli Avenue for traffic. Footage circulating on television shows the police mercilessly and violently beating the demonstrators, hitting them on the head and face.
05:00 – U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson: We Must Sanction Ivanishvili, his Cronies
U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson (SC-02) says the U.S. must sanction GD patron, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, and his cronies. “We must sanction the illegitimate Russian puppets attacking the Georgian people and denying them their sovereignty, including Bidzina Ivanishvili and his cronies,” Rep. Joe Wilson wrote on social media.
04:10 – More Than 60 People Detained on November 29-30
The local watchdog, the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), said that more than 60 people had been detained so far on November 29 and 30. The watchdog said it receives information about detainees every minute through its hotline. The GYLA says it often takes time to locate the detainees and that every effort is being made to ensure that they are seen by a lawyer as soon as possible. “No one is left without a lawyer,” the organization said, providing its hotline number.
04:00 – Protest Continues
At 4am on November 30, the defiant demonstrators who spent all night protesting are still on Rustaveli Avenue, facing the riot police mobilized there, despite repeated attempts to disperse them with the use of force, pepper spray, gas canisters, water cannon and rubber bullets.
01:20 – President: We are Witnessing Brutal Attacks on Georgian People and Media
Reacting to the continuing brutal attacks by the police on protesters and journalists, President Salome Zurabishvili wrote on her X account: “Once again, we witness brutal and disproportionate attacks on the Georgian people and media, reminiscent of Russian-style repression. These actions will not be forgiven! Those responsible for the use of force should be held responsible.”
00:30 – At Least Four People Arrested in Batumi
At least four persons have reportedly been arrested in Batumi, including one underage, where the rally is taking place near the Constitutional Court building in the central Batumi. The Rustaveli street is closed to traffic.
Friday, November 29
23:59 – President Zurabishvili Shares Video Address
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili shared her video address to the protesting Georgian society, emphasizing the importance of solidarity of public servants towards Georgia’s European future and noting that the resistance movement has started all over Georgia and won’t end. She also called upon the special forces not to raise their hands against the protesters. She said she will stay on as Georgian President, stressing that the illegitimate Parliament cannot elect legitimate President.
23:54 – TV Pirveli Journalist Severly Injured at the Rally
TV Pirveli reports that its journalist Mariam Gaprindashvili was seriously injured during the rally and had to be hospitalized. Video footage shows that during the confrontation between protesters and police, Mariam tried to capture the moment when she was caught in the middle of the physical confrontation and fell to the ground, hitting her head. She was reportedly kicked by the riot police.
23: 33 – MIA Has Used Water Cannons Against Demonstrators
MIA has used several times the water cannons against the protesters. The water is allegedly mixed with chemical irritants. The MIA Special Tasks Department (whose chief is notoriously famous and sanctioned by the U.S. Zviad Kharazishvili) representatives are stand ready to launch reprisals at any moment. The live footage shows them curse into the the sound amplifier at the protesters and threaten them.
20:00 – Rustaveli Avenue Closed for Traffic
The central Rustaveli Ave is blocked to traffic as more and more people arrive to protest the GD announcement to effectively reject EU integration. Security forces are already mobilized on the adjacent Freedom Square which is also closed to traffic.
19:50 – Rallies Continue around Georgia
Locals are gathering in various regions of Georgia. At the moment it is known that there are rallies in Batumi, near Era Square, parallel to the rally in Tbilisi. The demonstrators are condemning the actions of the GD.
19:40 – TSU Social and Political Sciences Professors Condemn GD’s Decision to Suspend EU Integration
The academic and invited professors of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Tbilisi State University respond to recent developments in Georgia, condemning the statement made by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on November 28. They believe this statement violates the Constitution and disregards the will of the Georgian people. The suspension of the EU integration process, they argue, will irreparably harm Georgia’s higher education institutions, joint international programs, and projects, leading to the isolation of Georgia’s academic space from the Western world, which would have devastating consequences for both the educational system and society at large. They also strongly condemn the violent suppression of peaceful civil protests since the evening of November 28. They call on the administration of Tbilisi State University to publicly express its stance on these issues and clarify how the university intends to defend Georgia’s integration with the West.
19:25 – Citizens Gather Near Rustaveli Avenue for Another Protest
Widespread protests against the GD’s decision to abort EU accession continue into the second day as citizens gather near the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, which has already been blocked. Police are heavily mobilized on the scene.
19:10 – Newton Free School Temporarily Shuts Down
Newton Free School, a private school in Georgia, will temporarily close on 2 December. “Our primary value is the freedom and future of our students, which is why we are joining all the right protest initiatives,” is noted in a Facebook post.
19:05 – Two Georgian Universities Respond to GD’s Decision to Halt EU Accession
The administrations of the Free University and the Agrarian University, two private universities in Georgia, comment on the recent decision by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to suspend the EU accession process until 2028, stressing that the suspension of EU integration will significantly damage the country’s future. “Georgia’s aspiration to Western civilization and values is based on the will of the people and is guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia,” the management of the two universities said.
19:00 – Journalists March in Protest and Solidarity with Injured Colleagues
Local journalists marched from Republic Square to Parliament in protest and solidarity with their colleagues injured during last night’s dispersal. At least 20 cases of police brutality against journalists while carrying out their professional duties were reported during the early November 29 protest near Parliament.
- 29/11/2024 – Watchdog: Police Target Journalists, Many Injured
18:50 – Helsinki Commission: Georgians Refuse to Become Russian Colony
The U.S. Helsinki Commission reacted in a social media post to the ongoing events in Georgia, saying, “The Georgian people have taken to the streets to peacefully protest for their sovereignty, democracy, and European future, only to be met with violence and repression. They refuse to become a Russian colony. Stand with the Georgian people!”
18:35 – Deputy Interior Ministry Calls on Citizens to Protest Peacefully
As another large protest begins, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze held a briefing urging citizens to “refrain from carrying any object or substance that poses a risk to the peaceful nature of the assembly” and to “stay within the legal limits of assembly and manifestation.” Darakhvelidze accused peaceful demonstrators of violent attacks on police last night and said, “The employees of the relevant departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will also be mobilized today for the planned rally and will protect public order.”
18:30- SSDA’s Joint Statement on GD’s EU-Turn
112 employees of the State Services Development Agency (SSDA) issued a joint statement stressing their commitment to Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution and obligations under international agreements. The employees support Georgia’s EU aspirations and believe that the GD’s decision to suspend EU accession until 2028 will significantly damage the country’s interests. They are committed to contributing to a prosperous future for Georgia by supporting its EU membership aspirations and ensuring the continued implementation of European practices in their work.
18:00 – MEPs Statement on GD’s EU-Turn
The Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister, alongside Nils Ušakovs, Chair of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee, and Rasa Juknevičienė, the European Parliament’s standing rapporteur for Georgia, issued a statement expressing regret over the Georgian government’s decision to pause EU accession negotiations. They emphasized that Georgia’s application for EU membership in March 2022 and its subsequent candidate status in December 2023 were significant milestones, which should have been used to advance the process. Instead, the country has seen democratic backsliding, including parliamentary elections that failed to meet international standards, undermining the election’s integrity. The statement also condemned the violence against peaceful pro-European protesters and reaffirmed support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and the pro-democratic movements working to return the country to a European path.
17:00 – Another University Temporarily Shut Down
Business and technology university, another private university, have temporarily shut down. “We share the position expressed by students and our academic and administrative team regarding the European integration process”- noted the university.
15:55 – Sandu: Moldova Condemns Police Violence Against Peaceful Demonstrators
Moldova’s President Maia Sandu reacts to the ongoing events in Georgia in a social media post, saying, “Georgians are Europeans. Georgia’s future lies in Europe, and no one can take that away from them. Moldova condemns violence against peaceful demonstrators and stands in solidarity with President Salome Zurabishvili and the Georgian people in their fight for freedom.”
15:50 – Rallies Continue around Georgia
Locals are gathering in various regions of Georgia. At the moment it is known that there are rallies in Zugdidi and Kutaisi. Civil activists and the citizens of Georgia are protesting GD’s decision and violence against peaceful demonstrator by the police forces.
15:10 – Another Universities Temporarily Shut Down
Sulkhan Saba Orbeliani University and Alterbridge University, two other private universities in Tbilisi, have temporarily shut down.
“Alterbridge has been, is, and will continue to be a supporter of Georgia’s European development, the university said on Facebook.
15:05 – Students March against GD’s EU-turn
Students protest against Irakli Kobakhidze’s decision to halt Georgia’s EU accession process, calling it a “Russian regime”. The students are marching in protest from Tbilisi State University to Parliament. “We are doing our best to move Georgia forward,” said one of the demonstrators.
15:00 – International Reactions to GD Halting Georgia’s EU Accession
The decision by GD leadership to halt EU accession sparked a range of international reactions, with many reaffirming support for the Georgian people’s European aspirations and highlighted the need for the government to repeal recent restrictive laws. Their comments follow:
- Michael Roth, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of German Bundestag: “It’s happening exactly as we feared: isolation instead of Europe. Oppression instead of freedom. Authoritarianism instead of democracy. The ruling party is destroying Georgia’s future in the very heart of Europe.”
- Maria M Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden: “Seriously concerned about the Georgian Dream’s statement that it will pause Georgia’s EU accession and refuse EU grants until 2028. This adds to a worrying development including restrictive laws adopted earlier this year and widespread irregularities reported in connection with Georgia’s parliamentary elections.”
- Gitanas Nauseda, President of Lithuania: “Lithuania stands firmly with the people of Georgia and their European dream!”
- Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Estonian Parliament: “The freedom-loving people of Georgia showed last night in Tbilisi and several other cities that they are not willing to surrender their country to Russia and a self-proclaimed dictatorial regime.”
- Žygimantas Pavilionis, Chair of European Affairs Committee of Lithuania’s Parliament: “Georgian people, this is your last stand. If you defend your freedom and European choice today, you will save your tomorrow within transatlantic West. If you are afraid to fight today, it will be the end of independent Georgia tomorrow and the beginning of very russian past.”
14:00 – Kobakhidze Accuses EU Ambassador of “Disinformation,” Warns of Future “Diplomatic Response”
Irakli Kobakhidze held a briefing, insisting that the GD remains committed to the EU integration path, accusing the EU ambassador of “disinformation” and threatening a “diplomatic response.”
He claimed accession talks are only a “formal” step that does not accelerate a country’s integration into the EU. He said that this issue of the opening of accession talks was being used as an instrument of blackmail and that the GD rejected it in order to “neutralize” it.
He further claimed that the “radical opposition” and its affiliated NGOs and media are spreading disinformation as if the GD government has stopped the EU integration process, and that the EU ambassador is also “involved” in this disinformation campaign. He warned that if the EU ambassador or any other ambassador does not change their “behavior”, they will be met with a “diplomatic response.”
In addition, Kobakhidze said that last night’s protest was “radical” and that “the violent gangs of the radical opposition physically and verbally attacked the law enforcement agencies. He thanked the MIA and its officers.
12:25 – Georgia’s Ambassador to Bulgaria Resigns
Otar Berdzenishvili, Georgia’s ambassador to Bulgaria, resigns over GD’s EU-turn. “Throughout my extensive diplomatic service (more than two decades), I’ve been actively engaged with my fellow colleagues in advancing Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration process…Our tireless efforts should not be undermined or compromised by any means,” Berdzenishvili wrote on X.
12:00 – Two Universities Temporarily Shut Down
Caucasus University and the University of Georgia, both private universities in Tbilisi, have temporarily shut down.
“Due to the current situation in the country, we are suspending classes. We believe that today the first duty of all is to return Georgia to the path of European future,” the University of Georgia’s statement says.
10:30 – EU Ambassador: GD’s Decision “Very Regrettable”
Paweł Herczyński, EU Ambassador to Georgia, said GD’s decision to abort the country’s EU bid was “very regrettable,” “very deplorable,” and “heartbreaking.” “I think that all of us have worken up in a completely new reality,” he told journalists. Amb. Herczyński reiterated that Georgia is responsible for deciding whether or not to pursue the European integration path.
09:35 – MIA: 43 Arrested
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) issued a statement saying 43 people have been arrested during the protest under administrative charges of petty hooliganism (Article 166) and disobeying lawful police orders (Article 173). The MIA said 32 of its officers were injured during the protests, 13 needed surgery, and one is still in the hospital.
The MIA also claimed that it used “special means allowed by law …to prevent violent acts” by protesters. But multiple reports indicate unlawful and excessive use of force by officers. Witnesses reported targeted pepper spray attacks and the combined use of a water cannon and chemical irritants. These were also noted by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, a local human rights watchdog.
08:15 – Red Security Level in Effect in Parliament
From November 29, the Parliament building will be under a special “red security level,” which will deny entry to anyone, including journalists, the Parliament’s press service reported. Only “persons authorized by the head of the Parliament office on the basis of the need to avoid danger” will be allowed inside.
06:30 – President: I expect a strong reaction from European capitals
President Salome Zurabishvili addresses the unfolding events in Tbilisi in a social media post, “Protests and repression still ongoing in central Tbilisi. Targeted are journalists and political leaders. I expect a strong reaction from european capitals.”
05:50 – Two Women Politicians Reported Injured
Two women politicians, Elene Khoshtaria and Nana Malashkhia (woman with an EU flag from the 2023 anti-Foreign Agents’ law rally) of the Coalition for Change were reported to have been injured during the protests: Khoshtaria has broken arm, and Malashkhia has a broken nose.
05: 40 – Formula TV Journalist Attacked at a Rally
Guram Rogava, a journalist from Formula TV, who was covering the overnight protest, was physically, in a targeted manner, assaulted by one of the unidentified people dressed in black, wearing helmets and gas masks, have been operating in tandem with the riot police line, chasing and beating peaceful protesters. He was injured and hospitalized with head and suspected back trauma.
04:07 – President: I stand with Georgian Media
President Salome Zurabishvili reacted to the reports of attacks on journalist during the protest rally on Rustaveli avenue on November 28-29. She wrote: “I stand with the Georgian media, who are disproportionately targeted and attacked while doing their job and reporting continuously.”
04:05 – One More Journalist Attacked and Injured
Journalist Lekso Keshelashvili, of Publika was reportedly beaten and arrested while carrying out his professional duties. Lekso went online and said that he probably had a broken nose and head injuries, his colleague wrote on FB. He is now being taken to hospital. His camera was taken from him.
03: 15 – GYLA: Dispersal is Unlawful, Involves Disproportionate Force and Amounts to Inhumane Treatment
The watchdog Young Georgian Lawyers’ Association said in its statement that the protests on Rustaveli Avenue are being dispersed with the usual unlawful and disproportionate use of force. There is evidence of violations of the norms for the use of active special means, including the targeted use of pepper spray in the face and the mixing of two special means, a water cannon and a chemical irritant.
This practice is highly problematic, says the wathdog, for a number of reasons. In particular:
It is not known what the acceptable concentration of a chemical irritant in water is that poses a significant risk to human health; When clothing is soaked with a chemical irritant, a person cannot escape its effects; In addition, when a person’s clothing is soaked, it is impossible to control the level and duration of exposure to a chemical irritant. Given that health risks increase with the concentration and duration of exposure to chemicals, mixing water and chemicals violates the duty of law enforcement to minimize harm. Moreover, using the jet cold water, given the low outside temperature, is an inhumane treatment.
“We once again call on the officers of the Ministry of Interior to disobey illegal orders and to stop dispersing peaceful demonstrators in a manner that is tantamount to a crime,” GYLA said. It further called on the Ministry of Interior to make public the means it is using, including for medical purposes, so that medical personnel have the opportunity to respond appropriately to the injured.
02:40 – Coalition for Change Members Injured
Media reports indicate that members of the Coalition for Change have been injured – one of its leaders, Elene Khoshtaria, became sick after inhaling tear gas and standing under the water cannon (which reportedly has some gas mixed in), while Boris (Chele) Kurua suffered a head injury from allegedly a rubber bullet. Another Coalition member Vakho Tsereteli, was beaten and received hear injuries.
02:30 – The Dispersal on Rustaveli Avenue Started
The brutal dispersal started on Rustaveli avenue. Unidentified people in black overalls, helmets and gas masks are operating in front of the riot police line, chasing and beating peaceful protesters. Meanwhile the water cannons are blasting the water, mixed with unidentified substance. The new water canons, that Minister of Interior boasted about recently are much more powerful than the ones MIA had previously used. TV Pirveli cameraman was attacked and injured during the dispersal by the mentioned unidentified people without any insignia.
02:11 – MIA Uses Water Cannons Against Demonstrators
Riot police began using water cannons against demonstrators in an attempt to break up the rally. The water is reportedly mixed with pepper spray. The temperature in Tbilisi currently is close to zero degrees Celsius. The police is actively arresting demonstrators.
02:09 – Three Demonstrators Arrested in the Past Half an Hour
According to media reports, three demonstrators have been arrested in the last half hour. Riot police are actively using tear gas and pepper spray to break up the rally. Warnings to leave the area have been sounding for a while now.
02:01 – Riot Police Physically Assault an Elderly Demonstrator
While preparing to break up the rally, the riot police caught an elderly demonstrator, beat him up and dragged him to their car. They once again used tear gas and pepper spray against the demonstrators.
01:30 – MIA: Three Policemen Injured, Special Means Used
The MIA reports that the peaceful protest “exceeded the norms established by the Law on Assembly and Demonstration.” The Ministry claims that three policemen were injured, two of them hospitalized, by demonstrators throwing objects at the police. It also admits to having used special means – tear gas and pepper spray – “to defuse the situation”. It reiterates its call for respect for the law and warns against the continued use of special means.
01:20 – TV Pirveli Camera Man Injured by Pepper Spray
TV Pirveli reports that its cameraman Niko Kokaia was injured while performing his professional duties by a riot policeman who sprayed Kokaia in the eyes with pepper spray from close range.
01:19 – Former PM Kvirikashvili Raises Questions on GD’s Decision
Former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili issued a statement saying that the “temporary halt” of the EU accession process is in contradiction with the electoral promise given to the voters of GD to move towards the EU “with dignity”, therefore is “complete ignorance of the will of the majority”. Kvirikashvili stated that with this step Georgian Dream is “damaging its own legitimacy, which is completely incomprehensible in an already fragile environment”.
“European integration is a two-way process, and its renewal and the setting of deadlines for accession negotiations are not the unilateral prerogative of a candidate country. Georgia’s suspension of the process sends an extremely negative signal about a qualitative change in the country’s strategy. It is unclear what political and pragmatic arguments are behind this action. I believe that the government should demonstrate its commitment to its main electoral promise as soon as possible, which is to resume the process of active integration with the European Union without compromising on the protection of traditional and family values,” reads the statement.
01:08 – Riot Police Sprays Tear Gas, Pepper Spray
The riot police stationed near the Parliament on Chichinadze Street began spraying tear gas and pepper spray. Several people were injured and required medical attention, as they were sprayed in the eyes, including UNM’s leader Sopo Japaridze. These measures to disperse the rally haven’t been used intensively yet, but the situation remains tense. The police took away the handmade banner that a demonstrator had made from the iron fence installed in front of the Parliament building, which read “Rise up!”.
00:51 – TI Georgia Calls on Police not to Use Violent Measures Against Demonstrators
Transparency International Georgia issued a statement calling on law enforcement officials not to obey “unlawful orders” and use violent methods to disperse the demonstration. The organization notes that people’s “legitimate protest” is taking place peacefully in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Gori, and Batumi, however, violent measures by law enforcers were still observed, including cases of use of special means – tear gas and pepper spray, in addition to physical abuse. “Citizens’ protest is legitimate,” the organization stressed.
00:10 – MIA: One Police Officer Injured by Demonstrators
The MIA issued a statement saying that despite calls by law enforcement for the demonstrators to protest peacefully, they “continue to confront law enforcement officers and verbally abuse them.” The MIA also claims that the protesters injured one police officer, who was taken to a hospital.
Thursday, November 28
23:55 – Diplomats’ Joint Statement: Stopping EU Accession Negotiations Contradicts Country’s Strategic Interests
Dozens of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs employees have issued a joint statement in connection with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement to stop EU accession. They express their commitment to Georgia’s EU aspirations, stressing that the enlargement window that is now open may never be reopened, and if Georgia stops on this path, it risks facing isolation.
23:30 – President Joins Protest, Talks to Special Forces
President Salome Zurabishvili joined the peaceful demonstrators in front of the Parliament, where special forces had already been mobilized along with water cannons. After joining the rally, the President went directly to the representatives of the special forces and tried to talk to them. She asked them, “Don’t you talk to your President?” and urged them to think about their country, their children and the future.
The special forces remain concentrated to begin dispersing the rally.
23:20 – MIA Warns Demonstrators of Legal Response in Case of ‘Illegal Actions’
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a statement saying that law enforcement officers have been mobilized to various places in Georgia where people are protesting against Georgian Dream’s announcement of termination of EU accession. They claim that the right to assembly and demonstration, as well as expression, is protected in accordance with the law. “We call on the organizers of the rally, political leaders and participants to express their protest within the framework established by the law. Any illegal action will be met with an appropriate legal response from the police,” reads the statement.
20:54 – Police Arrests Peaceful Demonstrator in Kutaisi
Police arrested Misha Mumladze in Kutaisi. He was peacefully demonstrating with locals in Kutaisi when he called for people to cross the street and the police attacked him, dragged him, tore his clothes and despite calls to stop and that he was unwell, they took him to the police car and arrested him. The police said that Mumladze didn’t respect their order and verbally assulted them.
20:30 – Parallel Rallies Around Georgia
Locals are gathering in various regions of Georgia. At the moment it is known that there are rallies in Zugdidi, Kutaisi and Batumi. People in Tbilisi are gathering in three places: in front of the Parliament, Georgian Dream headquarters and the Presidential administration.
20:00 – Culture Sphere, CSO Representatives Call for New Struggle Against Russian Regime
Representatives of cultural spheres and civil society announced protests against the “unconstitutional” decision of the Georgian Dream party to abort the EU accession. Rati Amaglobeli, one of the demonstrators, called the decision of PM Kobakhidze a betrayal and said that Georgian citizens should not come to terms with it, announcing a new struggle against the Russian regime in Georgia and calling on the EU to disregard the announcement of the illegitimate government. He said that today a new phase has begun for a free Georgian citizen.
Citizens gather in front of the Georgian Dream Headquarters in Tbilisi.
19:00 – President Scheduled Meeting with Representatives of Diplomatic Corps
According to the presidential administration, Salome Zurabishvili, the President of Georgia has scheduled an emergency meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps. This comes after the Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced a decision to reject accession negotiations with the EU until 2028.
18:15 – GD breaks off the accession process with the EU
GD breaks off the accession process with the EU, which had already been frozen by Brussels due to Tbilisi’s refusal to meet the reform targets for eligibility. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to reject accession negotiations with the EU until 2028 and to refuse all EU budget support.
Aysel Umudova, a member of Meydan TV, was placed under a 4-month detention order on 6 December.
Her lawyer, Aqil Layic, stated that the charges against her remain unclear, and mentioned that she has not been feeling well and that emergency medical assistance had been called for her twice.
Other members of the channel also face similar detention measures.
Reports indicate that Aysel’s health has significantly worsened, with an increase in her panic attacks. Her relatives shared that her condition has caused her body to tremble continuously and she vomited repeatedly during the trial, requiring frequent trips to the restroom.
Due to the severity of her condition, Aysel carries a bag in her pocket to cope with vomiting. At the Baku Main Police Department, her blood pressure dropped, prompting an emergency call.
Her health has deteriorated as she struggles to eat and continues to vomit.
Dozens of journalists in Azerbaijan have been detained under similar charges, with local and international human rights organizations calling for their immediate release.
The post Lawyer: “Aysel Umudova’s condition is not good” appeared first on MEYDAN.TV.