Georgia's government clamps down after Tbiilisi unrest DW 10/10/2025

"Georgia's Interior Ministry has announced the arrest of 13 people in conjunction with anti-government protests following elections in the capital, Tbilisi, on October 4. The five organizers of the rally had already been arrested and accused of attempting to overthrow the government and violence against the state and law enforcement. The ruling Georgian Dream party claimed that the unrest was a coup attempt, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned that people who engaged in clashes with the police would be prosecuted."

"The authorities claim that there is a link between the unrest on October 4 and the daily protests in front of the Georgian Parliament that have been taking place for almost a year. But opponents of the government say that the events last week are being used as another pretext for repression. There is a rising concern in civil society that there will be another clampdown on dissent."

"'Deceived and exploited' On October 4, police responded to protests in front of the Orbeliani Palace, the president's official residence. Tens of thousands of protesters had gathered for a "peaceful revolution," but then there was a call from the stage to occupy state institutions. Some demonstrators managed to break through a fence and tried to get into the presidential palace. The police reacted with water cannons and tear gas. Officially, there were casualties on both sides."

Georgia's Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 13 people after anti-government protests in Tbilisi on October 4. Five rally organizers were already detained and accused of attempting to overthrow the government and committing violence against the state. The ruling Georgian Dream party labeled the unrest a coup attempt, and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the EU of "meddling" and alleged opposition support from "foreign intelligence services." Authorities linked the unrest to nearly year-long daily protests outside parliament, while opponents called the arrests a pretext for repression. Police used water cannons and tear gas after demonstrators breached a fence and tried to enter the president's Orbeliani Palace; officials reported casualties on both sides.

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