Georgian Opposition Leader Arrested as Anti-Government Protests Embark on Fifth Night
Tbilisi, Georgia – Tensions escalated in Tbilisi on Sunday, as Georgian opposition leader Zurab Japaridze was arrested following several nights of simmering protests against the government’s decision to delay EU accession.
Police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators for the fourth consecutive night, sparking outcry from opposition parties and raising concerns about the state’s commitment to democratic principles.
Images shared online by the Coalition for Change, Georgia’s largest opposition party, showed Japaridze being bundled into an unmarked police van by officers. The Coalition stated Japaridze was apprehended as he left a public forum, though a clear justification for the arrest has yet to be provided.
"Thirty-eight of our representatives of the Coalition for Change do not know what they are charged with"(){
This escalation comes after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension of EU accession talks until 2028. Frustration has been mounting in Tbilisi since the announcement.
Over the past few days, police interventions have resulted in hundreds of arrests and, according to reports, the assault of several journalists. The BBC documented dozens of reporters being roughed up or sprayed with pepper spray during protest dispersal. After clashes on Friday night, 44 people were hospitalized.
"The Georgian Ministry of the Interior reported that 21 officers were injured during the riots.
The arrest of Japaridze and the heavy-handed police response have further fueled anger. As international pressure mounts, Georgia’s trajectory toward EU membership hangs in the balance.
"The police have abused their power. They shouldn’t be allowed to act this way,”
commented Levan Ioseliani, Georgia’s Human Rights ombudsman, sharply criticizing the police tactics. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze countered that the demonstrators were responsible for the escalation, not law enforcement, stating it was essential to prevent “violence aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order.”
The impasse highlights the deep polarization gripping Georgia as it attempts to navigate its future.
The United States has been closely monitoring the situation, expressing deep concern over the recent developments and urging all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and respect democratic norms.
2024-12-02 05:56:00
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