Tensions have reached a boiling point in Georgia, where police raided opposition party offices as protests continue against the government’s controversial decision to suspend talks about joining the European Union. The opposition Coalition for Change party reported that its leader, Nika Gvaramia, was detained by police during one of the raids, escalating an already volatile situation in the capital, Tbilisi.
The protests, now into their sixth consecutive night, have drawn thousands into the streets. Demonstrators are voicing their anger over the Georgia Dream party’s decision, with many calling for the country’s European Union accession talks to resume. In response, police have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds, while protesters have thrown fireworks at law enforcement and set up barricades in the center of the city.
The Crackdown on Opposition
The raid on opposition offices marks a significant escalation in the government’s response to the protests. According to the Coalition for Change, Nika Gvaramia’s detention came as part of a broader effort to suppress opposition voices and curb the protests, which have become a nightly occurrence. A video posted by the party showed Gvaramia being forcibly carried by several men, his arms and legs held tightly as he was escorted down steps by police.
Additionally, the Youth Organisation of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) party also found its offices raided by police, a move which prompted strong condemnation from party leaders. UNM’s Levan Khabeishvili told reporters that the raid was an attempt to intimidate the opposition. The party, in a statement, accused the Georgian government of engaging in “all-out terror and repressions” aimed at silencing their voices.
The raids did not stop there. The Interpress news agency reported that two members of another opposition party, Strong Georgia, were detained by police during the same crackdown. The government has made it clear that they intend to target opposition forces, which they claim are behind the protests.
Arrests, Raids, and Repression
On top of the office raids, police have been targeting opposition leaders and activists. The leader of the Akhali liberal opposition party was beaten and arrested, according to reports, while the Droa party’s offices were raided as well. The images of the beatings and arrests, broadcast on local television, have further fueled the anger of demonstrators who believe the government is going to extreme lengths to suppress peaceful protestors.
The harsh actions from police come in the wake of statements from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who promised to crack down on what he labeled as “radical” political forces responsible for the protests. In a press conference, Kobakhidze said, “It is clear to everyone that these violent actions are entirely coordinated by the radical opposition. No one will escape accountability, including the politicians hiding in their offices.”
Despite the crackdown, the protests show no signs of slowing down. Demonstrations were planned for the evening of December 4, with protesters determined to keep up the pressure on the government. Police presence has been heavy, especially near the parliament building, in an attempt to prevent protesters from getting too close.
The Growing Discontent
The protests reflect a deep discontent among many Georgians, who feel that the government’s actions threaten their aspirations for European integration. Since the announcement to halt EU talks, the opposition has become increasingly vocal, with citizens in Tbilisi joining the protests in solidarity. While the government’s move to suspend talks is seen as a strategic maneuver by some, it has ignited widespread anger, particularly among those who view EU membership as critical to Georgia’s future.
In addition to the opposition’s grievances, President Salome Zurabishvili, who is pro-European, has also criticized the government’s actions. She accused Georgian Dream of intentionally blocking access to protective equipment for protesters, saying that “shops selling protective gas masks, protective goggles and helmets” had been closed. This, she claimed, left peaceful protesters vulnerable to police aggression.
Despite the mounting repression, the protesters remain resolute. Many are determined that the arrest of opposition leader Gvaramia will not stop them from showing up night after night. They continue to voice their opposition to the government’s decision and demand that the suspension of EU talks be reversed.
As the protests persist, Georgia finds itself at a crossroads. The nation is torn between its desire to integrate with the European Union and the political forces that are pushing against that goal. The tension in Tbilisi is palpable, and the outcome of this standoff could have significant implications for the country’s future political landscape.
