The political situation in Georgia remains tense. Parliament has terminated the mandates of 49 opposition MPs. The MPs, representing the United National Movement, the Coalition for Change, and Powerful Georgia parties, had announced their resignations following the October 26th parliamentary elections, citing widespread election fraud by the authorities.
The For Georgia opposition party, led by a former prime minister and holding 12 seats in parliament, has not formally resigned but is boycotting parliamentary proceedings, also claiming the legislature is illegitimate.
On February 5th, protesters marched from the Public Broadcaster to Rustaveli Avenue, demanding the removal of Board Chairman Vasil Maghlaperidze and General Director Tinatin Berdzenishvili. The protesters expressed solidarity with journalist Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, who was allegedly taken off air for criticizing Maghlaperidze and the ruling Georgian Dream party. They are demanding the release of Batumelebi/Netgazeti director Mzia Amaglobeli and other detained activists, as well as new elections.
On the same day, the Tbilisi City Court fined Isako Devidze 3,500 GEL after he was arrested during a house search on February 1st. He was charged with disobeying a police order. Activist Tornike Tevzadze reported that Gurjaani City Hall officials poured water on him while he was holding a solo protest near the building. The Tbilisi City Court also fined Coalition for Change member Koba Khabazi and student Vakhtang Khvintevani.
Protests in Georgia have been ongoing for 70 days. On February 5th, 14 rallies were planned in various regions of Georgia. The main demands of the protesters include the government’s resignation, the holding of new elections, and an end to political persecution.
The situation in Georgia indicates a worsening of political tensions. The termination of opposition MPs’ mandates and the continuation of protests demonstrate deep divisions between the authorities and the opposition. The government faces criticism for allegedly rigging the elections and persecuting opposition activists. The opposition demands fair elections and a change in the country’s political landscape.