Georgia’s opposition leader is dragged from HQ amid violent crackdown on pro-EU protests
Tensions in Georgia have escalated as opposition leaders face a crackdown following a wave of pro-EU protests. Nika Gvaramia, a prominent opposition figure, was forcibly removed from his party headquarters in Tbilisi by police, sparking outrage. Other leaders were reportedly attacked after meeting to plan a general strike.
Protests erupted last Thursday after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced it was halting Georgia’s bid to begin EU membership talks, a decision that frustrated many citizens and reignited anger over the party’s authoritarian direction.
BREAKING: @NikaGvaramia212 one of the leaders of Coalition 4 Change @CoalitionGEO was dragged by the police and thrown into a detention car as he was physically assaulted and unconscious. This happened at the @GIRCHIMF – @DroaParty office at Sharashidze Street. #GeorgiaProtests pic.twitter.com/tfO1j1BZWv
— Coalition 4 Change 🇬🇪🇪🇺 (@CoalitionGEO) December 4, 2024
The demonstrations have led to the arrest of over 330 protesters, with reports from rights groups alleging detainees have faced violence. Following a hardline statement from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, authorities have intensified actions against opposition figures.
This unrest follows a contested election in October, criticised by international monitors for alleged violations. Georgian Dream’s controversial policies, including restrictive laws on civil society, LGBT rights, and free speech, have drawn accusations of steering the country back toward Russian influence.
