Georgia Protests Archives

October 4 Trial Nears End as Eight More Defendants Sentenced

Proceedings have concluded in another branch of the October 4 case. On June 22, Judge Romeo Tkeshelashvili delivered verdicts against Zura Chavchanidze, Vladimer Gvelesiani, Amiran Dolishvili, Anton Vardanidze, Aleksandre Chilachava, Genadi Kupreishvili, Sulkhan Tughushi, and Ramaz Mamuladze. All eight defendants received five-year prison sentences. During the hearing, Zura Chavchanidze—also known as the Flag Bearer of …

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Lawyer Says Authorities Bring New Charge Against Imprisoned Opposition Figure Nika Melia

Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the “Akhali” party who is currently imprisoned, is facing yet another criminal charge, according to his lawyer Giorgi Kondakhishvili. The charge is scheduled to be formally presented at 15:00 at Rustavi Prison. “An investigator from the Vake-Saburtalo investigative service contacted me this morning and once again informed us …

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Two Activists Ordered to Detention for Sidewalk Protest as Court Applies New Restrictive Law

Another precedent has been set at the Tbilisi City Court, where two civil activists were ordered to four days of detention each for protesting on the sidewalk. Sandro Megrelishvili and Dimitri Jamburia are the first individuals to be sentenced to detention since the adoption of a new repressive law by Georgian Dream that severely restricts …

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Defendants in the October 4 Case Remain in Custody – Joint Case of 10 Defendants

On January 22, the Tbilisi City Court, presided over by Judge Irakli Khuskivadze, held another hearing in one of the October 4 cases involving ten defendants and kept the in detention. This group of defendants includes the so-called “members of the organizing committee”: Paata Burchuladze, Murtaz Zodelava, Irakli Nadiradze, Paata Manjgaladze, and Lasha Beridze, as …

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First Ruling Under New Law – Citizen Penalized for Sidewalk Protest

A first precedent has been set regarding sidewalk protest cases. Citizen Rezi Dumbadze was declared to have committed an administrative offense solely for standing on the sidewalk during a protest. However, Judge Tornike Kapanadze issued him only a verbal warning and did not impose administrative detention. This information was shared by Dumbadze himself and his …

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ECHR Rules Georgia Violated Rights of Protester Detained During 2023 ‘Russian Law’ Rallies

A citizen detained during protests against the so-called “Russian Law” has won a case against the Georgian government at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. Giorgi Mekvabishvili was detained in 2023, when Georgian Dream first initiated the “Russian Law” [Law on transparency of foreign influence]. His rights were defended by the Georgian Young …

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Ombudsman Files Constitutional Complaint Against Protest-Limiting Legislation

The Public Defender has submitted a constitutional complaint to the constitutional Court challenging the restrictions defined by Georgia’s Law on “Assemblies and Manifestations,” including the blanket prohibition on covering one’s face with a mask or by any other means. According to the Public Defender’s Office, in addition to the substantive restrictions related to the rules …

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Georgian Dream Seeks Retraction and Apology From BBC Over Chemical Weapons Report

“Georgian Dream” has filed an official complaint with the BBC. The announcement was made by Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of Parliament of Georgian Dream. According to him, the complaint was submitted to the BBC yesterday, on January 14. On December 1, the BBC published an investigative report alleging that chemical weapons dating back to World War …

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Ivanishvili’s 13 Steps to Undermine Democracy in Georgia

Here are several key events from 2025 that illustrate how Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream systematically undermined democracy in Georgia, consolidated authoritarian rule, and pushed the country closer to Russia. Although Ivanishvili’s government now prohibits even standing on the sidewalk—threatening imprisonment for those who defy the ban—pro-European protesters have persisted in the streets for over a year. …

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From Protest to Punishment: Georgian Dream’s 2025 War on Expression

Amid ongoing protest rallies, Georgian Dream spent the year intensifying efforts to suppress dissent by enacting laws that restrict freedom of expression. The party’s crackdown began in late 2024, when, on December 13, it criminalized several actions that had never previously been considered offenses. Protesters were banned from covering their faces and carrying lasers, while …

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Former Defense Minister Bacho Akhalaia Detained in October 4 Case: What We Know

On December 25, former Georgian Defense Minister Bacho (Bachana) Akhalaia, who served a nine-year prison sentence under the “Georgian Dream” government, was arrested again. The State Security Service (SSSG) says the investigative authorities consider him the “main organizer” of the October 4 events. Akhalaia has previously told the media that he even feels embarrassed by …

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Political Prisoners Starve in Protest Against Georgia’s Anti-European Turn as Tbilisi Celebrates the Holidays

This holiday season, Tbilisi presents itself as “a city full of kindness,” illuminated by lavish festive decorations. Yet more than a hundred political prisoners – a number that continues to grow – are spending the holidays behind bars, unable to be with their loved ones, with many suffering from deteriorating health. Among them, two political …

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Detention for Sidewalk Protests: Georgian Dream Enforces New Amendments to Assembly Law

The Georgian Dream party has begun enforcing latest repressive amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, under which protesting on sidewalks may result in administrative detention. Since December 23, more than ten citizens have been summoned to court on allegations of blocking pedestrian movement. Most hearings are scheduled for December 25–26 and relate to …

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What Happens to the Body After Camite Exposure? — A Doctor Explains

“No gas should ever be mixed into a water cannon. Any solvent is neurotoxic, regardless of what it dissolves, and it can affect the central nervous system. Mixing a solvent with a water jet creates a perilous precedent,” says narcologist Zurab Sikhuralidze. We spoke with him about the chemical substances mentioned in the BBC investigative …

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Camite: What We Did—and Did Not—Learn About the Substance Mixed into Water Cannons

On December 1, the BBC World Service published an investigative report alleging that Georgian police forces targeted demonstrators with chemical weapons dating back to World War I during last year’s anti-government protests. Georgian Dream denies the BBC’s information and claims that no banned substance was used; however, to this day, they have not specified exactly …

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Interview with a Doctor Whose Study on Chemical Exposure During Georgia’s Protests Was Featured in the BBC Investigation

On December 1, the BBC World Service released a documentary indicating that the Georgian authorities likely used a toxic chemical compound called against protesters during the first week of the pro-European demonstrations. According to the BBC investigation, the compound is Camite—a substance last used during World War I. The report highlights the ongoing protests that …

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“I Didn’t Raise Nine Children for Them to Live in Russia”: Rusiko Kobakhidze Sentenced to Detention for the Second Time

Judge Koba Chagunava has sentenced Soviet history researcher, educator, and historian Rusiko Kobakhidze to three days in administrative detention for the second time, again on the grounds of “blocking the road.” “The violation is evident, and there are no circumstances that would rule out detention,” — said Judge Koba Chagunava in his reasoning. The first …

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Prosecutor’s Office Launches Criminal Proceedings Against Eight Opposition Leaders for “Crimes Against the State”

The Prosecutor’s Office has launched criminal proceedings against eight opposition leaders, charging them with crimes against the state. The announcement was made today, November 6, by the Prosecutor General of Georgia, Giorgi Gvaramidze, at a press briefing. According to him, criminal prosecution has been initiated against Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nikanor Melia, Zurab …

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Teacher and Civil Activist Nino Datashvili Released on Bail After Months in Pretrial Detention

On October 29, teacher and civil activist Nino Datashvili, who had been held in pretrial detention, was released from the Rustavi Women’s Prison after the court replaced her detention with bail. Tbilisi City Court Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili granted the prosecution’s motion to substitute Datashvili’s pretrial detention with bail set at 5,000 GEL. The prosecution’s decision …

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Georgia Prosecutors Move to Replace Nino Datashvili’s Detention with Bail Amid Critical Health Concerns

The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia announced on October 29 that it will request the court to replace the pretrial detention of imprisoned teacher and activist Nino Datashvili with bail, citing her deteriorating health. According to the statement, recent medical examinations confirmed that Datashvili requires surgery and subsequent treatment. “Taking into account the defendant’s health condition, …

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Imprisoned Teacher and Civil Activist Nino Datashvili’s Health in Critical Condition, Defense Team Seeks Her Release

The health of imprisoned civil activist and teacher Nino Datashvili, a prisoner of conscience, has deteriorated sharply, raising serious concerns about her survival in detention. Her husband, Godi Pruidze, wrote on Facebook that he visited Datashvili on October 28 at the Rustavi Women’s Colony and found her in alarming condition. According to Pruidze, Datashvili can …

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Tamar Lortkipanidze Charged with Violence, Police Vehicle Attack, Faces 4–7 Years in Prison

Tamar Lortkipanidze, 48, who climbed onto a patrol car during the October 22 protest in Tbilisi, has been formally charged by the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office with violence and attacking a police vehicle. The Ministry of Internal Affairs initially detained Lortkipanidze under Article 239 of the Criminal Code, which covers hooliganism. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, …

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14 Arrested in Past Two Days – One Detainee Sent for Compulsory Treatment at Mental Health and Drug Prevention Center

In the past two days, 14 people have been arrested under the new repressive laws enacted against the protest. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) on October 21, initials of 13 people detained over the past two days for “violating the rules of holding an assembly or demonstration” are: …

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Tsira Zhvania, Third Journalist of Formula TV, Arrested for Allegedly Blocking Road During Protests in Tbilisi

Formula TV journalist Tsira Zhvania has been arrested on allegations of “blocking the road” during protests on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. “Two police officers were waiting for me near my home. We waited 20 minutes for the patrol crew. They just arrived – apparently, I’m being detained for blocking the road,” Zhvania wrote. Zhvania is …

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’I Can No Longer See with My Left Eye and Was Denied a Doctor’: 64-Year-Old Prisoner of Conscience Describes Prison Conditions in Letter

64-year-old Kote (Konstantine) Kokaia, arrested in connection with the October 4 events, has written a letter to his daughter from prison describing the conditions of his detention. According to him, he has lost vision in one eye, requires medical attention, but has not been taken to a doctor. The conditions he describes indicate serious violations …

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Citizen Who Voluntarily ‘Admitted’ to Blocking Road Not Detained After Others Arrested for Same Act

Film director Giorgi Tavartkiladze, who voluntarily went to the police and stated that he had blocked the road, was not detained. According to his lawyer, Nika Simonishvili, Tavartkiladze was questioned at the police station. “Director Giorgi Tavartkiladze went to the police station on his own and said: ‘I blocked the road – arrest me like …

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Formula TV Demands Immediate Release of Detained Journalist, Calling It an Assault on Independent Media

Formula TV issues a statement regarding the detention of journalist Keta Tsitskishvili. According to the statement, Formula TV views the recent escalation in harassment of journalists as an attack on independent media, aimed at suppressing critical voices. “On October 20, the regime’s police detained another Formula anchor, journalist Keta Tsitskishvili, allegedly for participating in a …

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Another Journalist Arrested in New Wave of Detentions Targeting Daily Protests

“Formula TV” journalist Keta Tsitskishvili is reportedly being detained. She wrote about it herself: “They’ve come for me too! The police showed up! If they think they can scare me, my family, or any of my friends – they’re wrong. In the end, we will still win,” Tsitskishvili wrote, asking her grandparents not to worry. …

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Sixteen More Arrested in Connection with October 4 Events, Total Detainees Now 62

Sixteen more people have been arrested on October 17 in connection with the events of October 4, bringing the total number of detainees to 62. The announcement was made by Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Gela Geladze, representing the ruling Georgian Dream party. “Today we arrested 16 additional individuals. As of now, a total of …

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71-year-old Pediatrician Giorgi Chakhunashvili Detained in Tbilisi; Police Link Arrest to October 4 Events

On October 9, in Tbilisi, police detained 71-year-old pediatrician and professor Giorgi Chakhunashvili at his home. Later that evening, around 10 p.m., his son, Kote Chakhunashvili, wrote on Facebook that police had entered his father’s apartment. Soon after, journalists and protesters gathered outside the residence but found the door locked. Within about 30 minutes, police …

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A Man Draped in a Flag from Sokhumi – Another Flag Bearer of the Batumi Protest

A man draped in the tricolor flag of Georgia has become one of the symbolic flagbearers of the Batumi protests — a familiar figure to nearly everyone attending the rallies. “My name is Zurab Chavchanidze, I’m 58 years old, and I’m from Sokhumi. This flag is inseparable from me; it’s from Sokhumi, dating back to …

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Five Organizers of October 4 Protest Ordered into Pre-Trial Detention; 13 More Arrested — What We Know

On October 6, thirteen more people were arrested in connection with the investigation into the October 4 protest. Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, stated that two additional individuals have been declared wanted. According to the United National Movement (UNM), four of the detainees – Aleksandre Khabeishvili, Sergo Megrelishvili, Abo Naveriani, and Kakha Mzhavanadze …

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Former Deputy Chief of JF of Georgia’s Armed Forces Faces Up to Nine Years in Prison Over Pro-European Protests

One of the key figures arrested on serious criminal charges in connection with the October 4 events Colonel Lasha Beridze, former Deputy Chief of Joint Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces. Since 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Batumelebi has published several interviews with Lasha Beridze, featuring him as a military analyst. …

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Zourabichvili Urges Public to Defend Rustaveli Protest, Says October 4 Was a Russian Operation Aimed at Discrediting Movement

On October 5, Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili, addressed the public. Responding to the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ statement classifying all gatherings and assemblies as an “attempt to overthrow the government,” she called on people to protect the Rustaveli protest and continue the peaceful demonstrations. According to Zourabichvili, a “Russian special psychological operation” was carried …

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Security Service Says It Seized Large Cache of Firearms and Explosives Linked to October 4 Events

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) claims that a large quantity of firearms, ammunition, and explosives with a detonator has been discovered in connection with October 4 events. According to the SSSG, on the instructions of a Georgian representative of a military unit operating in Ukraine, Georgian citizen B. Ch. acquired a significant amount …

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Burchuladze Son Says Clashes at Presidential Palace May Have Been the Result of Betrayal, Not the Original Plan

Lekso Burchuladze, son of Paata Burchuladze, told TV Pirveli that he believes the plan was not to storm the Presidential Palace, but that there may have been another plan, possibly involving a peaceful entry – “they would have come over to our side”. He said he feels there was a betrayal from within and called …

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