Police in Georgia have arrested five people after clashes with anti-government protesters attempting to storm the presidential palace in the capital, Tbilisi. Security forces utilized water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the demonstrators.
The Caucasus country has been gripped by a political crisis since the ruling Georgian Dream party was accused of electoral fraud in last year's election by pro-European Union opposition parties. Following these events, the government has paused negotiations regarding EU membership.
The protests coincided with local elections, which the opposition largely boycotted due to a government crackdown. In these elections, Georgian Dream secured majorities in all municipalities, receiving more than 80% of the vote.
Among those arrested was opera singer Paata Burchuladze, a leading protest organizer who urged internal affairs ministry employees to heed the people's call and take decisive action against government officials.
According to the government, 21 police officers and six protesters required hospitalization due to injuries sustained during the clashes.
As the protests unfolded, large crowds waved Georgian and EU flags, demonstrating in central Tbilisi in an effort to regain democratic freedoms.
Demonstrators escalated their actions, attempting to breach the presidential compound on Atoneli Street, resulting in riot police deploying pepper spray. Events follow a series of recent crackdowns on activism and the media, which has led to many opposition leaders detained.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that those responsible for the protests would face consequences, asserting a commitment to maintaining order amidst accusations of an attempted coup against the government.
Protesters have expressed their desire for significant political change, calling for the release of political prisoners and snap parliamentary elections as they voiced discontent with the ruling party, labeling it as 'acting in Russia’s interests.'
