Georgian police arrest opposition leaders at pro-EU protest in Tbilisi

Georgian police arrested several prominent opposition leaders on Sunday, February 2, 2025, during a large pro-European Union protest in Tbilisi, escalating tensions over the country's stalled EU accession process.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered near a shopping complex on the northern edge of the capital and briefly blocked a major motorway.

Among those detained were Nika Melia, leader of the opposition Coalition for Change, and former Tbilisi Mayor Giorgi Ugulava. Melia was later released on bail after being charged with an administrative offense. Authorities cited a January 31 legislative amendment that classifies blocking highways as a criminal offense, punishable by up to two years in prison under Article 222 of the Criminal Code.

The protest is the latest in a wave of demonstrations that began in November 2024, after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced a suspension of EU accession talks until 2028. The decision has sparked widespread outrage, with opposition groups alleging that the October elections were rigged and accusing the government of steering Georgia back into Russia's sphere of influence.

International condemnation followed swiftly. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized the crackdown, stating, “The brutal repression of peaceful protesters, journalists, and politicians is unacceptable. Georgia falls short of expectations for an EU candidate country.” The U.S. State Department also denounced the excessive use of force, suspending a partnership program with Georgian police.

Unverified videos shared on social media showed police in balaclavas beating protesters, while several demonstrators were seen being carried into ambulances. Protesters chanted slogans like “Fire to the oligarchy” and “No justice, no peace” as they called for new parliamentary elections and the resignation of the government.

The crackdown comes just weeks after the inauguration of President Mikheil Kavelashvili, whose election the opposition claims was illegitimate. The government's shift toward authoritarianism and its decision to freeze EU talks have fueled ongoing unrest in a country where 80% of the population supports European integration.

The arrests and increasing police violence highlight the deepening political crisis in Georgia, a nation caught between its European aspirations and the shadow of Russian influence. The situation remains volatile, with more protests expected in the coming weeks.

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