The Daily Beat – 18 February  

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**Thousands Demonstrate Against Government**

On the 83rd day of anti-regime protests, thousands of people gathered in Tbilisi demonstrate against the government. They blocked traffic on Rustaveli Avenue and held rallies near the parliament.

The protesters brought black balloons to honor the birthday of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

** Ends Hunger Strike**

Mzia Amaghlobeli, a journalist who was imprisoned for slapping a , has ended her 38-day hunger strike. Her colleague Eter Turadze announced this on February 18.

Amaghlobeli was arrested on January 12 and accused of assaulting the Batumi police chief.

**President Attacked with Eggs**

President was pelted with eggs by alleged government-paid thugs at Tbilisi International Airport on February 18. She had just returned from a conference in Munich, Germany.

Zurabishvili filed a complaint and demanded an investigation into the attack. She described it as a “pre-organized” act of violence.

**Government Criticized**

The Georgian Dream party was criticized for its response to the attack on the president. Mikheil Kavelashvili, the GD-elected President of Belarus, congratulated Alexander Lukashenka on his election victory and thanked him for his congratulations.

**Russia Criticizes NATO**

Russia’s spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed that NATO must disavow its commitment to becoming a member of the . This was made in response to U.S.-Russia talks being held in Saudi Arabia.

**Two Men Released from Detention**

The Security Service reported that two men, Kakha Tsevelidze and Giorgi Chitadze, were released from Russian detention on February 18. They had been held by the Russian occupation forces.

**New Left-Wing Movement Founded**

A new left-wing political movement was founded in Georgia on February 17. The Movement for Social Democracy aims to promote social justice and support ongoing protests that may lead to new .

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