Tense clashes erupted in Georgia’s capital on Saturday, October 4, 2025, as riot police used water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to repel protesters who attempted to storm the presidential palace .
The unrest coincided with municipal elections that were largely boycotted by the main opposition blocs, who consider the government pro-Russian and authoritarian . Tens of thousands of people, waving Georgian and EU flags, gathered in central Tbilisi in a rally dubbed a “National Assembly” to protest the ruling Georgian Dream party .
The protests are part of a nearly year-long political crisis triggered by two key events in late 2024.The first was a parliamentary election that the opposition and international observers, including the European Parliament, allege was fraudulent . The second was the government’s subsequent decision to suspend its EU accession talks, a move that abruptly halted a longstanding national goal and sparked widespread public anger
On election day,a segment of the crowd marched to the presidential palace on Atoneli Street, where some protesters damaged security bars and attempted to force their way inside . Police intervened forcefully, leading to clashes. The Health Ministry reported six protesters and 21 police officers were hospitalized . Protesters also set fire to barricades near Liberty Square .
Authorities declared the rally unlawful and launched a criminal probe, detaining several organizers on charges of inciting violence and attempting to overthrow the government . Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze described the events as an “attempted coup” and vowed that participants would be held accountable .
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The political situation in Georgia has drawn international concern.Human rights organizations have documented a sweeping campaign of repression, including the jailing of opposition leaders, the silencing of independent media, and the torture of protesters . The government denies accusations of being pro-Moscow and insists it remains committed to EU membership while maintaining peace with Russia .
