Pro-EU protests in Georgia have continued for a seventh consecutive night, with police clamping down on opposition figures. Georgian authorities have arrested several high-profile opposition leaders, including Nika Gvaramia, the leader of the Coalition for Change party. The arrests came as thousands of protesters gathered outside the capital Tbilisi, facing off against riot police who used water cannon and gas to break up previous gatherings.
According to local media, seven people were arrested on charges of “organising and leading group violence”, an offence that carries up to nine years in prison. Police also detained several other opposition leaders, including Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the Strong Georgia party, and at least six members of opposition political parties.
Critics accuse the government of repressing the opposition, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claiming that opposition forces were supplying protesters with fireworks. However, European officials have urged authorities to stop using excessive force and ensure freedom of assembly.
The EU’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Anitta Hipper, wrote on X: “We urge authorities to stop using excessive force and ensure freedom of assembly. All acts of violence must be investigated immediately.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also criticized the Georgian government’s actions, calling them “shameful”.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/georgian-opposition-leader-beaten-unconscious-detained-by-police-party-says-2024-12-04