Georgia’s political crisis has intensified following the 4th October local elections and a protest in Tbilisi that ended in clashes and mass arrests.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed the detention of another suspect, bringing the total number of people charged in connection with the events of 4th October to 45.
The rally, billed as a “peaceful overthrow of the government,” began in Freedom Square and later moved toward the Presidential Administration on Atoneli Street.
Protesters breached the fence around the building before being dispersed by riot police using water cannons and tear gas.
Among those detained are former Chief Prosecutor Murtaz Zodelava, civic leader Paata Burchuladze, and several other organizers, now formally charged under four articles of the Criminal Code, including calls for violent change of the constitutional order and organizing group violence.
The Georgian Dream government has described the protest as an attempted coup, vowing to respond firmly.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused opposition groups of trying to destabilize the country and even hinted at foreign involvement, comments that have drawn strong criticism at home and abroad.
The European Union has condemned what it called “months of increasing repression,” citing pressure on civil society and the media during the election period.
Brussels urged calm and restraint and denounced verbal attacks against the EU ambassador in Tbilisi. Several EU member states, including Lithuania and Latvia, questioned the credibility of the vote and demanded the release of detained protesters.
The United States has not yet commented directly on the 4th October arrests but has previously called on Georgia’s leaders to uphold democratic standards and judicial independence.
Meanwhile, divisions within the opposition are widening. Some factions call for continued street protests; others urge dialogue and participation within institutions.
Analysts warn that this disunity combined with the government’s hardline approach could lead to further political polarisation.
As court hearings begin for the detainees, the country remains on edge — caught between its pro-Western aspirations and an increasingly authoritarian reality.
Kazakhstan’s oil exports through its main pipeline route fell sharply in July after Black Sea disruptions, as neighbouring Kyrgyzstan faced r...
At least 437 civilians were killed and 2,610 injured in Ukraine in July, according to UN investigators, marking the highest monthly civilian casual...
The U.S. will impose unprecedented measures on Iran in order to economically isolate the country, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said...
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has increased the strategic importance of Bab al-Mandab, raising fears that instability in both waterways could trigger a wider global energy and trade crisis.
Flights at Catania airport in Sicily will remain suspended until early Friday as ash from Mount Etna continues to disrupt air travel, following hundreds of cancellations and diversions over the past week.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over the strategic waterway and insisting it will not reopen until Washington fulfils its commitments under an interim deal.
Iran and the United States remain at loggerheads over efforts to agree a permanent end to the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian source who said there had been no progress in talks to revive the interim deal agreed in June and define a timeframe to implement it.
Russia has accused Ukraine of threatening global grain supplies after recent strikes on Black Sea agricultural infrastructure, while Moscow carried out a new overnight attack on Ukraine’s major Danube port of Izmail.
Kazakhstan’s oil exports through its main pipeline route fell sharply in July after Black Sea disruptions, as neighbouring Kyrgyzstan faced rising fuel prices amid reduced supplies from Russia.
Former Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pakayin has called on Tehran to ratify the Caspian Sea convention, arguing that doing so would safeguard Iran’s legal and regional interests.
The suspension of two major grain terminals in Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk could increase pressure on Kazakhstan’s agricultural market if Russian exporters divert supplies to Central Asia at discounted prices.
Georgia’s Prime Minister says the EU’s inclusion of a major Black Sea cable project on a key infrastructure list is fresh evidence of the country’s importance to regional energy and digital connectivity.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has dismissed Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan and appointed former parliament speaker Alen Simonyan as his replacement.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment