Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has rejected claims from opposition groups labeling recent police operations as repressive, instead framing them as necessary preventative measures. Responding to a journalist’s question about opposition accusations of government-led crackdowns, Kobakhidze asserted that the actions were justified.
“I wouldn’t call these repressions; these are more preventative measures than anything else,” he said.
The Prime Minister also addressed allegations regarding the supply of pyrotechnics to protesters, claiming that opposition parties were systematically involved. “It is clear and undeniable that individuals were being systematically supplied with pyrotechnics and other means by the relevant political forces,” Kobakhidze added, stating that this evidence “speaks for itself.”
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has expanded its operations to include searches of opposition party offices, including United National Movement, Girchi-Droa, and Ahali, as well as the homes of activist group members. According to footage of the incident, Khasaia, a member of the Coalition for Change, was detained without visible illegal activity. In front of the same office, opposition leader Nika Gvaramia, founder of the Ahali party, was also forcibly detained. Witnesses described him as appearing unwell during his arrest, prompting journalists on the scene to request medical assistance. Earlier the same day, Zviad Tsetskhladze, founder and leader of the youth movement Dapioni, was arrested while walking in the street, according to a statement on the group’s Facebook page.
These measures coincide with ongoing mass protests demanding Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s resignation and new parliamentary elections following his controversial announcement about the suspension of the EU accession talks on November 28.
