Protests Against Russia Continue in Georgia
Demonstrations against Russia have been going on for over a week in Tbilisi and other cities across Georgia. The police have used force to stop the protests, leading to injuries and arrests of activists and opposition leaders.
More Artists Join Protest Strike
As the protests continue, more artists and musicians are joining the strike against the Georgian Dream party. They are urging people to take to the streets and support the anti-Russia movement.
Opposition Leader Injured in Arrest
Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the opposition coalition Strong Georgia, was transferred to a clinic for medical examination after being physically assaulted and arrested. He has injuries on his face and may have a broken rib. The Prosecutor‘s Office charged him with political discrimination earlier this week.
GD Leaders Accuse Activists of Staging Revolution
Two leaders of the Georgian Dream party, Irakli Kobakhidze and Kakha Kaladze, accused civil society organizations and their foreign donors of being behind the protests in Georgia. They claimed that the protesters were trying to stage a revolution.
Opposition Forms Joint Information Center
Four main opposition political forces have announced the formation of a joint information center to provide accurate updates on the opposition’s actions and plans.
Local and International Condemnation
Transparency International-Georgia and over 20 local civil society organizations condemned the recent arrests and use of force against peaceful demonstrators. The statement called for the immediate release of all those detained, new elections, and reforms to the Central Election Commission.
Ukraine Imposes Sanctions on Georgian Leaders
Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 19 individuals, including Bidzina Ivanishvili and his associates, who are accused of selling out Georgia’s interests. The sanctions include asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on business activities.
US Condemns Violence Against Demonstrators
The US Secretary of State strongly condemned the violence used against peaceful demonstrators in Georgia. He stated that those responsible would face consequences and that the US is prepared to take further actions, including additional sanctions.
Council of Europe Expresses Concern
The Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe adopted a Declaration expressing concern about the situation in Georgia. The Declaration condemned the violent handling of peaceful demonstrations and reiterated the need for effective protection of human rights and freedoms.
MEPs Call for Targeted Sanctions
A group of prominent Members of the European Parliament strongly condemned the ongoing repressions in Georgia and called on the EU to impose targeted sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and other Georgian Dream leaders.