Youth movement leader detained amid protests against delayed EU integration

Zviad Tsetskhladze, founder and leader of the youth movement Dapioni, was reportedly arrested while walking in the street, according to a statement on the group’s Facebook page. His detention is part of a broader crackdown on activists and opposition figures in Georgia amid ongoing protests against halted EU integration.

On the same day, opposition leader Nika Gvaramia, Girchi member Gela Khasaia, and two members of the Lelo party were also arrested. Searches were conducted in the offices of several political parties, including Girchi-Droa, Ahali, and the United National Movement.

Civil activists were not spared, with law enforcement raiding the homes of multiple individuals. Among the targets was Ilia Glonti, administrator of the activist group Daitove. Another member of Daitove, Nancy Woland, also had her apartment searched, while several other activists reported similar actions against them.

The detentions and searches come amidst escalating protests in Tbilisi, with demonstrators calling for government accountability and fresh elections following the controversial decision to delay European Union membership negotiations until 2028. Rights groups have raised alarms over what they describe as an assault on fundamental freedoms, including the rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.