Georgia’s political landscape has erupted in turmoil as opposition leaders and protesters face mounting repression following a week of mass demonstrations against the government’s suspension of talks regarding European Union (EU) membership. The protests, which began last Thursday, have been met with increasingly violent tactics by the government, culminating in the arrest and physical abuse of several opposition figures, including prominent leader Nika Gvaramia.
The protests were ignited by the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to halt Georgia’s EU accession talks. This move was viewed as a significant step away from the West and a shift toward closer ties with Russia, much to the dismay of pro-EU advocates. The situation was further exacerbated when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze labeled the protests as “violent actions” and warned that those responsible would face justice.
On Monday, the political climate reached a boiling point when police dragged opposition leader Nika Gvaramia from his party’s headquarters in Tbilisi. Gvaramia, 48, is the head of the Coalition for Change, one of the opposition groups leading the protests. The dramatic scene saw police carry Gvaramia by his arms and legs, underscoring the intensity of the government’s crackdown on dissent. His detention came shortly after he warned that his party headquarters could be raided, a prediction that materialized just 36 hours later.
The protests initially began in late October, following a controversial election that was criticized for irregularities. However, they gained significant momentum after the government’s EU-related decision, which led to widespread accusations of authoritarianism and fears of Georgia’s growing alignment with Russia. More than 330 protesters have been arrested, with rights groups reporting instances of physical abuse and torture in detention, as well as widespread crackdowns on free speech and political opposition.
Despite the police violence, opposition leaders remain defiant. Gvaramia, speaking to the BBC before his arrest, stated that the protesters had no choice but to continue their fight for a European future. He warned that failure to resist would condemn Georgia to becoming “some kind of puppet territory” under Russian influence. His sentiments were echoed by Levan Tsutskiridze of Strong Georgia, who described the government’s actions as a “total campaign of terror against free speech, against freedom of opinion, against democracy.”
Other opposition leaders have also been targeted. After a meeting in Tbilisi’s Liberty Square, where they discussed plans to escalate the protests and call for a general strike, several were ambushed and arrested. Among those detained was Zurabi Datunashvili, a world champion wrestler and opposition figure. In total, the opposition claims that 11 members were arrested in this latest wave of crackdowns, including leaders from the United National Movement and Strong Georgia. The police also raided the homes of activists, targeting those who had been organizing or assisting detained protesters.
Georgia’s authorities have attempted to downplay the situation, with the interior ministry reporting that over 100 police officers have been injured in clashes with demonstrators. However, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the government’s handling of the protests, accusing authorities of excessive use of force and arbitrary detention.
The violent suppression of protests has led to a series of resignations within the Georgian Dream government. Key figures, including ambassadors and a deputy foreign minister, have stepped down in protest against the government’s actions. One notable resignation was that of Irakli Shaishmelashvili, a senior official in the interior ministry, who left his post late on Wednesday, citing family reasons. This marks a significant blow to the Georgian Dream party, already reeling from internal divisions and mounting international criticism.
As Georgia’s political crisis deepens, the future of the country’s EU aspirations remains uncertain. The opposition, while facing increasing repression, remains resolute in their push for Georgia to secure its place in Europe, with many viewing this as a battle for the country’s sovereignty and democratic future. The coming days will be critical in determining whether Georgia can navigate this political storm or if it will succumb to growing authoritarianism.
