Georgian Authorities Detain 13 Following October 4 Protests in Tbilisi

Arrests Made After October 4 Unrest

Georgian authorities have confirmed the detention of 13 individuals and are actively seeking two more in connection with the anti-government protests that took place in Tbilisi on October 4. The arrests were announced by the Georgian Interior Ministry, with Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze stating that the detainees were involved in 'criminal activity' during the demonstrations. The events of October 4 coincided with partially boycotted municipal elections in Georgia, and saw thousands gather in the capital to protest the government.

Protests Escalate at Presidential Palace

The October 4 rally, initially convened at Liberty Square, escalated when a group of demonstrators attempted to storm the Orbeliani Palace, the presidential residence. Police responded with measures including tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray to repel the crowd. Protesters reportedly built barricades, and clashes continued late into the night. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze later described the unrest as an 'attempted coup planned by foreign intelligence services,' a claim that has been met with strong opposition from critics.

Charges and Ongoing Investigations

The Georgian Prosecutor's Office has charged the 13 individuals under several articles of the criminal code, including:

• Attempted overthrow of the constitutional order
• Group violence
• Seizure or blocking of a strategic facility
• Damage or destruction of property

These charges carry potential prison sentences of up to nine years. Among those initially detained were prominent opposition figures and rally organizers, including opera singer Paata Burchuladze, and politicians Murtaz Zodelava, Paata Manjgaladze, Irakli Nadiradze, and retired Colonel Lasha Beridze. Activist Vakhtang Pitskhelauri was also identified among the detainees. The Interior Ministry indicated that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute other individuals involved.

Broader Context of Anti-Government Sentiment

The October 4 events are part of a larger series of anti-government protests that have been ongoing in Georgia since October 2024. These demonstrations were initially sparked by allegations of electoral fraud in the 2024 parliamentary elections and have been fueled by concerns over the government's perceived 'EU U-turn' and the controversial 'foreign agent' law. Opposition groups have accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of authoritarian tendencies and adopting policies akin to those used in Russia.