Events in Georgia between February 1st and 4th highlight the continuing wave of protests across the country. Discontent with the government’s policies has fueled numerous demonstrations, often accompanied by clashes between law enforcement and protesters, resulting in arrests and injuries.
On February 2nd, a protest near Tbilisi Mall led to the arrest of 31 individuals, with several others injured. Among those detained were opposition figures such as Nika Melia, Tengo Tevzadze, and Gigi Ugulava. The demonstration, initially a peaceful gathering, escalated into confrontations with police, who used force to disperse the crowd. The protesters were demanding the release of detained activists and calling for new elections.
Day 68 of consecutive daily protests in Tbilisi, at 23:30 peaceful protesters still remaining on Rustaveli avenue#GeorgiaProtests pic.twitter.com/Zooa4RowgA
— Civil.ge (@CivilGe) February 3, 2025
On February 4th, the Tbilisi City Court released former National Bank President Giorgi Kadagidze, who had been arrested on February 2nd on administrative charges. The court hearing was postponed to February 7th to allow the defense more time to review the case materials. On the same day, another activist, Mamuka Diasamidze, was fined 2,000 GEL. He was accused of petty hooliganism and disobeying a lawful order from police.
As citizens walk back 15km from today's main protest venue to the center of Tbilisi, the police are periodically brutally picking out and arresting them. Here at the Mtkvari embankment. 📽️ Nini Gabrichidze/Civil.ge pic.twitter.com/GZ1lcBOaO0
— Civil.ge (@CivilGe) February 2, 2025
Criminal charges were filed against eight protesters detained during the February 2nd demonstration near Tbilisi Mall. They are accused of attempting to block a highway, which the Georgian government recently designated as a strategic and specially important facility. A conviction could carry a sentence of up to four years in prison for each individual.
These events illustrate the ongoing political tension in Georgia. Protests are regularly held in various cities, with demonstrators demanding the government’s resignation, new elections, and the release of detained activists. The actions of law enforcement, as well as the prosecution of activists and journalists, contribute to the escalation of the situation. The international community, including the European Union, has expressed concern about the situation in Georgia and called on all parties to refrain from violence and respect human rights.
New Theater troupe read a manifesto in a town of Zugdidi. Having started their protest in #Tbilisi on January 23 in support of Andro Chichinadze, one of their actors, the troupe is now touring the provinces. 🎬Data Akubardia for https://t.co/OEDtD8Xpy9 pic.twitter.com/UXNE4jXPnY
— Civil.ge (@CivilGe) February 2, 2025