Dozens Administratively Detained at Rally in Tbilisi, 8 Face Criminal Charges
The Ministry of Internal Affairs informed Georgian news outlet Tabula that 31 individuals were administratively detained during a rally near Tbilisi Mall on February 2.
The protest was organised by citizens opposing Bidzina Ivanishvili’s regime, demanding the release of detainees and calling for new elections. A large number of police forces were deployed in the area surrounding Tbilisi Mall.
Footage from the rally shows police officers physically assaulting protesters during arrests. Additionally, reports indicate that some detainees were subjected to further physical abuse even after being taken into custody.
Niko Kokaia, a cameraman for TV Pirveli, was injured during the protest. According to the publication, police officers insulted the film crew and intentionally damaged their equipment.
A video released by TV Pirveli shows Zviad Kharazishvili, also known as “Khareba,” the director of the Special Tasks Department, physically assaulting a protester. The footage captures him kicking a detained protester brought before him.
During the rally, former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava and one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, Nika Melia, were arrested.
On February 4, the Ministry of Internal Affairs arrested Ugulava and seven others on criminal charges for allegedly attempting to block a strategic or high-importance facility as a group.
Two days before the protest, Irakli Kobakhidze issued a government directive designating Agmashenebeli Alley as a strategic facility, prohibiting its obstruction. Violating this regulation carries a penalty of up to four years in prison.
Zurabishvili on Stricter Laws: The Resilient Georgian People Will Not Be Silenced by Such Tactics
Under new legislative changes, publicly inciting others to participate in “violent actions” could result in imprisonment for three to six years. Additionally, verbally insulting state officials and civil servants in connection with their duties will now be classified as an administrative offence with severe penalties.
The maximum duration of administrative detention will also be extended from 15 to 60 days, further restricting citizens’ freedom. These draconian measures are a clear attempt to suppress protests and curtail free expression in Georgia.
“Nevertheless, even the resilient Georgian people cannot be silenced by these tactics. Our unwavering commitment to freedom, democracy, and justice will not be broken,” President Salome Zurabishvili stated.
On February 3, one of the leaders of Georgian Dream Mamuka Mdinaradze announced in a briefing that administrative fines and imprisonment terms would be increased to 60 days. He also confirmed that verbal insults directed at state officials and public servants would be considered legal violations. Furthermore, he stated that amendments would be introduced to the Criminal Code to “prevent fascist actions by pseudo-liberals.”
US Embassy in Tbilisi: Mdinaradze’s Statements Are False and Show a Lack of Understanding
The US Embassy in Georgia has dismissed recent remarks by Mamuka Mdinaradze, a leading figure in the Georgian Dream party, calling them “completely false.”
“Mr. Mdinaradze’s statements today are entirely inaccurate and reflect a lack of understanding of the work the US Embassy is doing to support President Trump and Secretary Rubio’s key priorities – ensuring America’s safety, strength, and success,” the embassy stated.
During a briefing at the Georgian Dream office, Mdinaradze accused the US Embassy of misinterpreting the newly elected Trump administration’s stance.
“It is unfortunate that the statements and policies of the newly elected US government say one thing, while the actions of its lower echelons, including the US Embassy in Georgia, completely contradict those statements,” Mdinaradze claimed.