PM Kobakhidze praises police, condemns ‘violence’ against them

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed strong support for law enforcement officers during ongoing protests, describing them as the true defenders of European values on Rustaveli Avenue. Speaking at a press conference, Kobakhidze thanked police for their patience and condemned what he called “systematic and brutal violence” against them.

“If anyone embodies European values on Rustaveli Avenue, it’s these heroic police officers,” said Kobakhidze. “I want to thank them for their patience. More than ten officers required surgical intervention due to injuries sustained during the protests, not to mention the numerous other cases of harm.”

Kobakhidze criticized opposition groups and media outlets for labeling police as “blackshirts” and comparing them to Russian OMON forces, calling such rhetoric “shameful” and a sign of double standards.

“Police are enduring extreme physical and psychological abuse, yet there has been no condemnation of this violence against them,” he added.

The prime minister’s comments come amidst heightened tensions, as demonstrators continue to demand electoral reforms and the release of detained protesters. Opposition leaders and activists accuse the government of using excessive force to suppress dissent, while the government maintains that it is responding to provocations and violence from protesters.