Georgian Government Launches Crackdown After Opposition-Led Demonstrations 

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the European Union of meddling in his country’s internal affairs after riot police used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse thousands of demonstrators who attempted to storm the presidential palace in the capital during local elections, the Guardian reported Sunday. 

Unrest erupted Saturday in Tbilisi as the ruling Georgian Dream party declared victory in every municipality across the country in a vote boycotted by the two largest opposition blocs.  

Opposition leaders accused Georgian Dream – in power since 2012 – of authoritarianism and electoral fraud, urging supporters to stage what they called a “peaceful revolution.” 

Police detained at least five protesters, including opera singer and activist Paata Burchuladze and two members of the opposition party, the United National Movement.  

The Health Ministry said 21 police officers and six demonstrators were injured in the clashes, which took place near the presidential palace and in central Tbilisi. 

Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said those arrested were charged with calling for the government’s overthrow, which carries a penalty of up to nine years in prison, according to Reuters. 

Kobakhidze called the unrest an “attempt to overthrow the constitutional order” and accused EU ambassador Paweł Herczyński of supporting the protests. The EU’s diplomatic service has previously dismissed such claims as “disinformation and baseless.” 

The former Soviet republic has been grappling with demonstrations since last year’s disputed parliamentary vote that the opposition claims was marred by fraud.  

The ruling Georgian Dream has denied the allegations, but has since curbed independent media and civil society, drawing comparisons to Kremlin-style repression. 

The South Caucasus nation remains staunchly pro-West and has been in talks to join the EU – the country’s aim of joining the bloc is written in the constitution.  

But under Georgian Dream, the country has come under scrutiny over democratic backsliding and pro-Russian leanings. Relations with Europe soured since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and the ruling Georgian Dream froze ascension talks soon after the 2024 elections. 

Despite the tensions, Kobakhidze vowed to continue “preserving peace with Russia” while maintaining Georgia’s stated goal of joining the EU.