Alexander Darakhvelidze. Photo: sovanews.tv.
The authorities’ harsh response to mass protests
The protests in Georgia, which have been going on for 11 days, have attracted the attention of the international community. Citizens are demanding that the authorities reconsider their decision to abandon the country’s European integration. In response to these demonstrations, the government has used harsh methods of control, including mass detentions and violence.
According to the Time Ukraine Israel portal, citing the Georgian publication Publika, according to Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze, more than 400 people were detained during the protests. Of these, 30 were charged with criminal offences, and another 372 with administrative violations.
Mass arrests and administrative punishment
According to Darakhvelidze, 62 detainees who violated the administrative order were imprisoned, and more than 100 people received fines. Georgian authorities are actively prosecuting protesters. These measures demonstrate the government’s seriousness in dealing with resistance to its policies.
However, the protesters accuse the police of using physical force, particularly against those who were detained as part of administrative violations. Darakhvelidze did not comment on these allegations, but noted that police also suffered numerous injuries during clashes with demonstrators who, in his opinion, resorted to violence.
Special means to disperse protests
The situation on the central Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi remains tense. Authorities are using riot police, tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters demanding changes in the country’s foreign policy. The protesters are not backing down and continue their actions despite the use of force by law enforcement.
Doctors have expressed concern over the use of chemicals against the protesters. It is noted that these agents can be harmful to health and lead to serious complications, including allergic reactions and respiratory system disorders.
Human rights activists criticise government actions
Despite the harsh measures, international human rights organisations and local activists are demanding that the Georgian government respect human rights and stop violence against peaceful protesters. The government’s actions have drawn criticism not only in the country but also abroad, which indicates a high level of tension related to the political situation in Georgia.
Darakhvelidze also stressed the importance of the Georgian Dream initiative to ban masks at protests. However, he did not mention that police officers themselves often wear masks during operations, making them difficult to identify.
What is in store for Georgia?
The situation in Georgia remains critical. Protesters are demanding changes in the government’s policy, particularly with regard to European integration. The authorities, for their part, are trying to suppress the resistance by force, but tensions among the population continue to rise. Whether the government will be able to find a compromise with the protesters or whether the situation will escalate further is a question that Georgia’s political leadership will have to answer in the near future.
