Opposition leaders arrested in anti-government rally in Georgia

Georgian police detain Nika Melia, the leader of opposition Akhali party, as anti-government demonstrators attempt to block a highway entrance to the capital Tbilisi on February 2, 2025.

Anti-government protesters took to the streets in Georgia on Sunday where police made several arrests -- among them two of the country's opposition leaders. Daily mass protests have gripped the country since the ruling Georgian Dream Party claimed victory in parliamentary elections in October, a win deemed undemocratic by the opposition.

Georgian police on Sunday arrested two opposition leaders during a street protest against the ruling party, which has been accused of democratic backsliding and of moving Tbilisi closer to Russia.

The Black Sea nation has been rocked by daily mass protests since the Georgian Dream party claimed victory in October parliamentary elections rejected by the opposition as falsified.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement on November 28 that his cabinet would not pursue the opening of European Union membership talks with Brussels until 2028 further fuelled the demonstrations.

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The arrests were made as thousands of demonstrators attempted to block a highway entrance to the capital, Tbilisi.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)


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