GEORGIA'S PRIME MINISTER PROMISES CRACKDOWN ON DISSSENT
TBILISI, GEORGIA - 05 OCTOBER 2025
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze vowed to crack down on dissent after tens of thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets in Tbilisi on Saturday. The demonstrations turned violent when riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons to stop protesters from forcing their way into the presidential palace.
Kobakhidze accused opposition protesters of attempting to overthrow his government, saying "several people have already been arrested, first and foremost the organisers of the attempted overthrow." He warned that "no one will go unpunished... many more must expect sentences for their actions."
The protests were sparked by the Georgian Dream party's victory in local elections, which was boycotted by two main opposition blocs. The opposition had accused the government of rigging the election.
According to eyewitnesses, protesters waved Georgian and EU flags as they marched through the city center. However, the situation turned violent when riot police used force to disperse the crowd.
The European Union's ambassador to Georgia, Carl Hartzell, expressed concern over the use of force by law enforcement. "We urge all parties to refrain from violence and to engage in constructive dialogue," he said.
The opposition has called for Kobakhidze's resignation, citing allegations of electoral fraud. In a statement, the opposition leader, Nika Melia, said: "This is not just about elections; it's about the future of our country."
Kobakhidze's promise to crack down on dissent has raised concerns among human rights groups and international observers. The Human Rights Watch organization called for an investigation into the use of force by law enforcement.
The situation in Tbilisi remains tense, with more protests planned for this week. Kobakhidze has promised to take "all necessary measures" to maintain order.
Background: Georgia's local elections were held on October 3, with the Georgian Dream party claiming victory in every municipality across the country. The opposition had accused the government of rigging the election and called for a boycott.
Additional perspectives:
A spokesperson for the European Union said that they are "monitoring the situation closely" and urged all parties to engage in constructive dialogue.
A representative from the Human Rights Watch organization called for an investigation into the use of force by law enforcement.
An opposition leader accused the government of using violence to suppress dissent.
Current status: The situation in Tbilisi remains tense, with more protests planned for this week. Kobakhidze has promised to take "all necessary measures" to maintain order.
*Reporting by Dw.*
