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.
As world leaders gather in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly, the organisation faces wars, displacement, climate pressures and deepening ge...
Nearly 130,000 people have been forced from their homes in Yemen in recent weeks as fighting intensifies along the country’s west coast, acco...
Iranian judicial authorities have shut a French language centre in Tehran linked to the French Embassy, accusing it of “illegal activities&rd...
Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met and U.S. commitments are implemented, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday.
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
Iran's military has threatened to launch sustained attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East if Washington resumes military action against Tehran.
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday. A mother and her two 3-year-old children were killed when a Russian drone strike hit a private home, the emergency service said.
Nearly 130,000 people have been forced from their homes in Yemen in recent weeks as fighting intensifies along the country’s west coast, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Iranian judicial authorities have shut a French language centre in Tehran linked to the French Embassy, accusing it of “illegal activities”, including operating without a licence and facilitating the departure of talented Iranians.
Ankara and Washington are considering “creative ideas” to resolve U.S. sanctions imposed over Türkiye’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 air-defence system, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said.
Uzbekistan is stepping up investment in Karakalpakstan, with billions of dollars in projects spanning renewable energy, AI, agriculture, mining, transport and healthcare as the region seeks to create jobs and develop higher-value industries.
The EU plans to mobilise up to €12 billion ($13.8 billion) in public and private investment to strengthen the Middle Corridor, a key trade route connecting Central Asia and the South Caucasus with European markets.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment