Former President Zourabichvili: ‘Georgian Dream is replaying 1990s-style scenario to instill new fear’

Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili, on Monday accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of using tactics reminiscent of the 1990s to intimidate protesters.

In a post on social media, Zourabichvili condemned incidents on Rustaveli Avenue, where she says armed provocations and provocateurs were sent into peaceful demonstrations.

“The regime is following a classic (Russian) scenario: provocation, tension, a deliberate strategy to incite confrontation. After instilling fear of war, Georgian Dream is replaying a 1990s-style scenario to instill new fear,” she wrote.

Zourabichvili described these actions as a reflection of the Government’s fear and inability to govern effectively.

“It is a sign of the regime’s incapacity, which no longer finds resources for governing the country - only violence, repression, and fear remain,” she said.

She also expressed solidarity with detained opposition figures, including Mzia Amaglobeli, Nino Datashvili, and Elene Khoshtaria.

According to protesters, several individuals verbally harassed and physically attacked participants, with reports of one attacker carrying a firearm and another a knife.