Opposition MP calls for release of detained Chiatura miners and government dialogue

A Georgian opposition lawmaker has urged the authorities to address the grievances of miners in the western town of Chiatura, calling for the release of several detained workers and broader action on labour conditions and social tensions.

Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Shalva Kereselidze, chair of the parliamentary faction For Georgia, appealed to the President, government and parliament to listen to what he described as the legitimate concerns of Chiatura residents and miners.

He called for the release of detained miners,Giorgi Neparidze, Merab Saralidze, Tengiz Gevelesiani and Archil Chumburidze, and said a formal request for clemency would be sent to the President following the end of the parliamentary session.

Kereselidze also highlighted wider socio-economic grievances in the manganese-mining town, including unpaid wages, deteriorating working conditions, and alleged neglect of occupational safety standards.

He said Chiatura was heavily dependent on a single industry and warned that most residents have limited alternative sources of income. He added that a significant proportion of the local population was registered in Georgia’s social assistance system.

According to the MP, the protests were driven by worsening labour conditions and loss of income linked to operations at Georgian Manganese.

He urged the government to de-escalate tensions and avoid further confrontation, calling instead for political dialogue and steps towards social reconciliation.

The lawmaker said the proposed clemency request was based on what he described as strong public interest and aimed at protecting workers’ rights and maintaining stability in the country.