**Seven People Arrested in Georgia**
On December 4, the police arrested seven people who were charged with crimes that could get them up to nine years in prison. The arrests happened after police searched homes and offices of activists and opposition members.
The Head of the Central Criminal Police Department, Teimuraz Kupatadze, said the arrests were part of an ongoing investigation into group violence and public calls for violent action. He didn’t name the people who were arrested.
Kupatadze claimed that protests near the Georgian Parliament had turned violent since November 28. Over 150 police officers, several citizens, and media representatives were injured, and property damage was caused to Tbilisi City Hall.
The police searched homes of six people and offices of opposition parties Droa and Girchi – More Freedom, as well as a youth organization and a civil movement. They seized evidence like helmets, gas masks, pyrotechnics, electronic equipment, and Molotov cocktails.
Kupatadze said an investigation is continuing to identify and apprehend all those responsible for the crimes. He stressed that appropriate legal action will be taken against anyone who committed unlawful acts.
**Previous Incidents**
This is not the first time police have cracked down on protesters in Georgia. Earlier this month, 107 people were detained, and 10 officers were injured. In another incident, 43 protesters were arrested, and 32 officers were hurt. The police also targeted journalists during these incidents.
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