Opposition politician arrested in Georgia

Tensions are increasing in Georgia: After days of protests by pro-European forces, the police searched opposition offices and arrested critics. A politician is said to have been knocked unconscious.

For days, thousands of people have been taking to the streets in Georgia almost every day to demonstrate for a pro-European course – now the authorities are taking tough action: the police have searched the premises of opposition parties and arrested politicians – apparently also using violence.

According to media reports, the prominent opposition figure Nika Gwaramija, a representative of the Coalition for Change party alliance, as well as three other politicians and five members of the youth organization of the United National Movement party were arrested.

The Coalition for Change said Gwaramija was beaten unconscious by police and then dragged into a car. The party shared a video on X in which several people can be seen holding a motionless man by his arms and legs and taking him away. There is no statement from the police yet.

Prime Minister speaks of “prevention”

There were allegations in the country that the searches and arrests were political repression. Prime Minister Iraqi Kobakhidze rejected this. He himself spoke of “prevention”.

Since the parliamentary election at the end of October, which was overshadowed by allegations of fraud, people in Georgia have taken their anger to the streets. The pro-Western opposition and the president do not recognize the official election results. The opposition is currently not exercising its parliamentary mandates.

Since Kobachidze announced last Thursday that he would not negotiate accession with the EU until the end of 2028, even more people have been demonstrating. Every night there are riots with injuries. According to the Georgian Interior Ministry, there have been more than 290 arrests in the past few days.