Five Georgian opposition leaders charged over alleged plot to topple government

Georgian prosecutors have charged five opposition figures with attempting to overthrow the government, following weekend protests that turned violent in the capital Tbilisi.

The charges come after thousands of demonstrators rallied on Saturday, with some opposition leaders calling for a "peaceful revolution" amid local elections boycotted by major opposition blocs.

Shortly before polls closed, a group of protesters tried to storm the presidential palace but were pushed back by riot police using tear gas and water cannons. Officials said the unrest amounted to an attempt to seize power, with the accused now facing up to nine years in prison if convicted.

Authorities also detained 13 others linked to the clashes on charges of public disorder and efforts to overthrow the constitutional order.

Georgia has seen more than a year of protests accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of authoritarianism and drifting closer to Russia, allegations the party denies.

The government’s decision to freeze European Union accession talks has further inflamed tensions, though officials insist they remain committed to eventual membership while preserving ties with Moscow.

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire former prime minister widely believed to wield influence over Georgian Dream, is sanctioned by the U.S. for allegedly promoting Russian interests.

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