Georgian police arrested two prominent opposition leaders, Nika Melia and Gigi Ugulava, during a street protest against the ruling Georgian Dream party in Tbilisi on Sunday. The arrests came as thousands of demonstrators gathered to express their opposition to the government, which has been accused of undermining democracy and moving the country closer to Russia.
The protest, which aimed to block a highway entrance to Tbilisi, escalated when police detained the two opposition figures. Melia, leader of the pro-European Akhali party, and Ugulava, a former Tbilisi mayor, have long been critical of the ruling party and have spent years in prison under politically motivated charges. Melia was reportedly kicked by a senior police officer while in custody, and both were released shortly after midnight after signing a promise to appear in court.
The EU swiftly condemned the arrests, with Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, calling the crackdown “unacceptable.” In a tweet, Kallas criticized the violent actions of the police against peaceful protesters, journalists, and politicians, stating that Georgia, as a candidate for EU membership, must meet expectations of democracy and human rights. The EU’s response follows mounting criticism of the Georgian government’s heavy-handed approach to dissent, which has included arrests, beatings, and intimidation against protestors, journalists, and opposition leaders.
The protests in Georgia have been ongoing since October 2024, after the Georgian Dream party won parliamentary elections that the opposition claimed were rigged. Many critics argue that the government is increasingly aligning with Russia, which undermines Georgia’s pro-European aspirations. In late November, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the country would not pursue EU membership talks until 2028, further fueling public dissatisfaction.
International condemnation of Georgia’s handling of dissent has grown in recent months. The EU recently suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials, citing the adoption of repressive laws and violent actions against peaceful protestors. The United States and several European countries have imposed sanctions on Georgian officials over their role in the government’s crackdown on protesters and their pro-Russia stance.
As Georgia faces one of its largest anti-government movements in history, the country is also grappling with an ongoing constitutional crisis. The opposition refuses to enter the newly elected parliament, and President Salome Zourabichvili, who has condemned the government’s legitimacy, continues to assert herself as the rightful leader of Georgia. Despite her international engagements, including attending the inauguration of Donald Trump and meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Zourabichvili’s legitimacy remains in dispute as the political landscape of Georgia continues to evolve.
Source: Swifteradio.com
