**Georgian Opposition Leader Arrested**
Police in Georgia have arrested the co-leader of the opposition party For Change, Nika Gvaramia. He was taken into custody outside his party office.
Other opposition figures were also targeted by police. Gela Khasaia, a member of For Change, and Zviad Tsetskhladze, who founded the activist group “Dafioni,” were arrested along with Gvaramia.
**Police Raids Continue**
Police have been raiding homes and offices of opposition parties and activists. They conducted searches without court orders and witness presence. The police also loaded trucks with equipment from party offices.
The head of the Central Criminal Police Department, Teimuraz Kupatadze, said seven people were arrested and charged with crimes that carry sentences of up to nine years in prison.
**Leader of “Strong Georgia” Also Arrested**
Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the coalition “Strong Georgia,” was arrested for allegedly assaulting an opposition member. He is accused of verbal and physical abuse.
**Government Response**
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the police actions were to prevent unrest and not repress the opposition. He claimed that the parties and activists had purchased fireworks, suggesting they planned to cause trouble.
The government also claims there was an investigation into a coup plot.
**Violence Against Opposition Leaders**
Opposition leaders were attacked by thugs near the Marriott Hotel on Freedom Square. The police joined in the attack and arrested one of the opposition leaders, Zurab Davitashvili.
**International Reaction**
President Salome Zurabishvili has called on international partners to pressure the ruling party. She warned that the country was heading towards crisis and instability.
The Ukrainian government plans to sanction Georgia’s government for pushing the country closer to Russia.
Germany has suspended development cooperation with Georgia, and the US Helsinki Commission is calling for personal sanctions against Georgian officials.
Russia is ready to normalize relations with Georgia, but only if Tbilisi is willing.