Protests in Georgia have now entered their 78th day, with no signs of abating. Events from February 13th to 15th highlight the ongoing unrest and growing public dissatisfaction with the government. The core issues driving these demonstrations include demands for the release of political prisoners, concerns about freedom of speech, condemnation of police brutality, and questions surrounding the government’s stance on EU integration.
On February 15th, a protest took place in Sarpi in support of individuals imprisoned for political reasons. Demonstrators called for their release and expressed solidarity with Temur Katamadze, who is currently on a hunger strike. Katamadze, a Turkish citizen of Georgian origin, has been denied Georgian citizenship for years. Simultaneously, supporters of imprisoned Batumelebi/Netgazeti director Mzia Amaghlobeli gathered near the Vivamedi clinic where she is receiving treatment.
Several individuals faced fines for their participation in protests on February 14th. Mariam Sitchinava, a member of the opposition Droa party, was fined 5,000 GEL for wearing a mask during a protest in Zugdidi. Davit Bragvadze, a professor at the International Black Sea University, received a similar fine for allegedly obstructing traffic during a demonstration in Tbilisi. The Batumi City Court rejected a petition to alter the pre-trial detention of Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been on hunger strike for 34 days. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the charges brought against journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili, who was brutally assaulted by police during pro-EU rallies, emphasizing that he was the victim of police violence while covering the demonstration.
On February 13th, opera singer Paata Burchuladze was fined 5,000 GEL for allegedly blocking traffic during a procession marking his 70th birthday. Medical professionals held a briefing urging colleagues to join the February 15th protest in support of Mzia Amaghlobeli and Temur Katamadze, emphasizing the critical stage of their hunger strikes. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) expressed serious concerns about Temur Katamadze’s health, stating that the medical monitoring he’s receiving is insufficient and calling for immediate and comprehensive medical intervention. Journalist and anchorwoman Natia Gogsadze was fined for allegedly blocking the road. Zakaria Kitiashvili, an associate professor at Tbilisi State University, was also fined 5,000 GEL for a similar offense. Publika reported that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has filed a case against journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili, who was assaulted by police during a November 2024 protest.
These events illustrate the continuing momentum of the protest movement in Georgia and the growing public frustration with the government. Key demands of the protesters include the release of political prisoners, protection of freedom of speech, an end to police brutality, and the assurance of free and fair elections.