The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has detained over 400 people during 11 days of protests.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has detained 402 people during 11 days of protests. This was stated by Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze, reports Publica.

The Deputy Interior Minister noted that more than 30 people were detained as part of criminal proceedings, and 372 – due to administrative violations. In addition, 62 demonstrators received administrative detention, and over 100 individuals were fined.

At the same Time, Darakhvelidze does not comment on the brutal assaults by the police against demonstrators and accuses the demonstrators of using violence.

Masked individuals attacked employees of the media company TV Pirveli, which belongs to the coalition “For Change,” Duta Petridze, actor Georgi Makharadze, and the office of the opposition party “Akhali.” The TV Pirveli film crew was attacked just a few dozen meters from Rustaveli Avenue. The attacks were broadcast live: the cameraman was injured in the head, and journalist Maka Chikhladze was physically assaulted.

A few days ago, Georgian law enforcement agencies conducted searches at the offices of the opposition parties “United National Movement” and “Coalition for Change.” It is reported that the police detained the founder of the TV channel “Mtavaari” and the opposition party “Akhali,” the chairman of the “Coalition for Change,” Nikoloz Gvaramia, near the office of the Allied Party “Gyrchi – More Freedom” and “Droa” after representatives of the Interior Ministry conducted a search there. A member of the “Coalition for Change,” activist Gela Khasaya, was also detained.

In the center of Tbilisi, the city administration was unable to complete the installation of the Christmas tree in front of the Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue due to the protests. The demonstrators interrupted the process and decorated it in their own way.

Georgia's Rejection of EU Membership Negotiations

Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia would refrain from negotiations on EU membership until 2028. The Prime Minister emphasized that Georgia does not plan to join the EU “by begging and standing on one leg.” According to him, the country wants to join the bloc “worthily, with a healthy democratic system and a strong economy.” This led to a new wave of protests.