Georgian riot police used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse protesters near the presidential palace in Tbilisi on Saturday, detaining five activists as tensions flared during local elections.
The unrest followed calls from opposition leaders for a “peaceful revolution” against the ruling Georgian Dream party, which they accuse of authoritarianism and pro-Russian leanings.
Shortly before polls closed, demonstrators attempted to breach the presidential compound. The Health Ministry later confirmed that 21 security personnel and six protesters were injured in the clashes.
Authorities arrested five individuals, including renowned opera singer Paata Burchuladze and two members of the United National Movement, Georgia’s largest opposition party. They face charges of inciting the overthrow of the government and could face up to nine years in prison if convicted.
The Georgian Dream party claimed victory in every municipality across the country, though the election was boycotted by the two largest opposition blocs.
Georgia’s pro-Western opposition has been staging protests since last October, when the ruling party won a parliamentary election widely criticized as fraudulent. The government has denied allegations of vote-rigging.
Once seen as a staunch ally of the West, Georgia’s ties with Europe have weakened since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The government suspended EU accession talks after last year’s vote, triggering ongoing demonstrations.
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