**Opposition Leader Attacked at Tbilisi Airport**
A group of people linked to the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party attacked opposition leader Giorgi Gakharia and his colleague Elguja Khokrishvili as they returned from a conference in Munich.
The attack happened early on February 17 at Tbilisi International Airport. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers hurled verbal insults and threw eggs at Gakharia and Khokrishvili. The opposition party accused GD-linked thugs of planning and carrying out the attack.
The footage of the incident has been shared on social media. The attackers can be heard shouting at Gakharia and Khokrishvili, asking them questions like “Are you no longer funded by USAID?” and “Are you no longer a salesman?”
Gakharia’s party, For Georgia, released a statement condemning the attack as pre-planned and calling for justice. They also accused GD leader Bidzina Ivanishvili of being afraid of the results of the Munich Security Conference.
The opposition parties have condemned the attack and linked it to broader concerns about political violence in Georgia. They say that the GD government is trying to suppress dissent and silence its critics.
**Investigation Launched**
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into the incident, but no details have been released so far. The opposition party has expressed doubts that the probe will lead to any tangible results.
The attack on Gakharia comes amid growing concerns over the GD government’s tightening grip on political dissent. Last week, the ruling party hastily passed a legislative package imposing stricter regulations on protests and increasing penalties for offenses against law enforcement and government officials.
**Reactions from the Public**
Opposition leaders have reacted strongly to the attack, calling it a shameful fact that shows the GD authorities’ fear of opposition. They also linked it to broader concerns about political violence in Georgia.
The public has expressed outrage over the attack, with many calling for justice and condemning the GD government’s actions.
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