Georgian police dragged opposition leader Nika Gvaramia from his party offices. This incident sparked widespread concern about the government’s increasingly authoritarian tactics. Consequently, it is the latest development in the ongoing Pro-EU protests.
Gvaramia, a leader of the Coalition for Change, was carried away by police officers. This happened at his party HQ in Tbilisi. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze vowed to take action against protest organizers. He accused them of spreading “liberal fascism”. Furthermore, over 330 protestors have been arrested. Many have been beaten in detention.
The protests began after the ruling party, Georgian Dream, announced it was halting the country’s bid to start talks on joining the EU. As a result, the US suspended Georgia’s long-sought strategic partnership. The Georgian Dream has been accused of enacting authoritarian laws that target civil society, LGBT groups, and freedom of speech.
Gvaramia’s party was not the only group targeted by authorities. Offices from other parties in his Coalition for Change alliance were raided, and members were detained. The alliance came second in the disputed 26 October election.
The incident involving Gvaramia is a concerning development in the ongoing Pro-EU protests. The government’s actions have sparked widespread concern about the erosion of democracy in Georgia.
The international community is closely watching the developments in Georgia. The EU has expressed concern about the government’s actions. Human rights groups have also condemned the violence against protesters. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing criticism.
