TBILISI, October 7 – Tbilisi’s City Court has ordered pre-trial detention for five opposition figures accused of orchestrating violence during the October 4 protest in the Georgian capital, which authorities describe as an attempted “coup.” Those detained include opera singer and activist Paata Burchuladze, former chief prosecutor Murtaz Zodelava, opposition politicians Irakli Nadiradze, Paata Manjgaladze, … Read more
TBILISI, October 7 – Famed Georgian opera singer turned activist Paata Burchuladze, one of the main figures detained over the failed October 4 “peaceful revolution,” told a Tbilisi court Tuesday that he was trying to prevent violence, not incite it. Burchuladze, founder of the “Rustaveli Avenue” movement, said that during the unrest near the presidential … Read more
TBILISI, October 6 – Five opposition figures accused of orchestrating Saturday’s failed “peaceful revolution” in Georgia were formally charged Monday, as their defense lawyers pushed back against what they called politically motivated accusations. The opera singer and activist Paata Burchuladze, former prosecutor Murtaz Zodelava, National Movement politician Irakli Nadiradze, Strategy Aghmashenebeli leader Paata Manjgaladze, and … Read more
TBILISI, October 6 – Prosecutors in Georgia have formally charged five opposition figures over their alleged role in organizing the October 4 protest in Tbilisi that authorities describe as an attempt to violently overthrow the government. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the charges were presented Monday morning to opera singer and civic activist Paata Burchuladze, … Read more
TBILISI, October 6 – Georgia’s government rejected criticism from the European Union Sunday, following the country’s local elections, and violent clashes in Tbilisi branded a “peaceful revolution” by parts of the opposition. In a joint statement, EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said the elections … Read more
TBILISI, October 6 – Georgia’s State Security Service (SSS) says it has discovered a large cache of firearms, ammunition, and explosives allegedly tied to plans for coordinated sabotage attacks during the October 4 unrest in Tbilisi. Authorities claim the operation was directed by a Georgian national serving in a Ukrainian military unit. According to the … Read more
TBILISI, October 6 – Georgia’s government has arrested all key organizers behind the October 4 protest in Tbilisi, which authorities describe as an “attempted coup” that turned violent near the presidential palace. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze vowed that “no one will go unpunished,” warning that anyone who took part in violence against the state or … Read more
TBILISI, October 5 – Georgia’s prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned harsh consequences after last night’s violent protest, branding it as an “attempted coup,” and said it could give grounds for banning the largest opposition party. The night saw chaos and confrontation after precincts had closed in an election that gave the ruling Georgian Dream party … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Tensions flared in Georgia’s capital on the eve of crucial local elections after violence broke out near Metekhi Bridge, leaving two people injured, including a youth leader from the opposition United National Movement (UNM). Igor Narmania, head of UNM’s youth wing, was preparing to make a public statement with fellow activists … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – On the eve of Georgia’s local elections, parts of the opposition are promising what they call a “peaceful revolution.” The dramatic language has raised tensions in Tbilisi, where analysts warn that the country may be heading for a confrontation with echoes from its turbulent past. According to Rezonansi, opposition organizers initially … Read more