Photo: Reuters
Georgian police dispersed a demonstration in Tbilisi on October 4, using water cannons and pepper spray, and detained at least five opposition leaders, including activist Paata Burchuladze and Murtaz Zodelava.
Authorities said the organizers are accused of attempting to violently overthrow the government or incite constitutional disruption, as well as participating in group violence, punishable by up to nine years in prison.
Thousands had gathered outside the presidential palace following calls from opposition parties to protest local elections, waving Georgian and EU flags. Some organizers described their goal as a “peaceful overthrow” of the government.
Former Georgian president Salome Zurabishvili condemned the use of violence and accused the government of staging the incident to discredit the opposition.
According to the Interior Ministry, 21 police officers and six protesters were injured during clashes. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, criticized the crackdown, citing politically motivated prosecutions, media suppression, and arbitrary detentions.
