Georgian police have arrested several protesters, including opposition figures, during an ongoing demonstration near Tbilisi Mall.
The protest, which took place at the entrance to the capital, escalated into a physical confrontation between law enforcement officers and demonstrators, leading to multiple detentions.
The clashes occurred as protesters attempted to block a major road, prompting intervention by security forces. Law enforcement officers ordered demonstrators to clear the roadway, ultimately preventing them from carrying out their plan. The authorities restored traffic flow shortly after dispersing the crowd.
During the confrontation, several demonstrators reportedly required medical assistance after feeling unwell amid the scuffles. Police detained multiple participants, including prominent opposition leaders Nika Melia and Gigi Ugulava, as well as activist Dmitry Bidzinashvili.
The protest, which initially began near the shopping centre, saw demonstrators occupy part of the road while other lanes remained open to traffic. The participants had planned to march towards the city court, but police prevented them from doing so.
The unrest comes amid increasing political tensions in Georgia following the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe’s (PACE) decision on 29 January to impose restrictions on the Georgian delegation. The move was a response to concerns over democratic regression in the country, with PACE calling for fresh elections and the release of political prisoners.
Following the PACE ruling, members of Georgia’s ruling party announced their withdrawal from the organisation, stating that they would not yield to what they described as “blackmail” from European institutions. The government’s stance has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that democratic institutions in Georgia are under threat.
With tensions escalating, further protests are likely, as opposition groups continue to demand political reforms and accountability from the authorities.
