Zurab Girchi Japaridze, a prominent opposition leader and a figurehead of Georgia’s For Change coalition, was detained by police during protests in Tbilisi. This marks the latest development in a series of large-scale demonstrations triggered by the government’s recent decision to suspend negotiations on European Union (EU) accession for the next four years.
Japaridze’s detention occurred on Chavchavadze Avenue, where protesters had gathered after being dispersed from central Rustaveli Avenue. The arrest followed a confrontation between police and demonstrators, who had blocked the road using rubbish bins and other debris. While the authorities confirmed multiple arrests, they refrained from providing detailed information or commenting on Japaridze’s detention specifically.
Growing Unrest and Police Crackdown
The unrest comes on the heels of intensified anti-government demonstrations near the Georgian parliament. Protesters, expressing discontent with the government’s decision to delay EU accession talks, staged an overnight rally on Rustaveli Avenue, which was forcibly cleared by police in the early hours of the morning. The dispersal marked a turning point in the protests, as security forces employed stringent measures to control the crowds.
On Chavchavadze Avenue, tensions escalated as demonstrators continued their actions despite prior dispersals. Police intervened once more, resulting in further arrests, including Japaridze’s. By mid-morning, only a small number of protesters and police officers remained on the scene, and traffic had resumed.
