A wave of protests has swept through Tbilisi, Georgia, particularly focused against the ruling party, Georgian Dream, and its relation to controversial billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili. The protests erupted after numerous citizens experienced police violence while demonstrating their grievances against the government. Demonstrators gathered near the Philharmonic Hall under slogans calling for ‘freedom to the regime’s prisoners’ and ‘fire to the oligarchy’, emphasizing their demand for political accountability and human rights. An official statement from Tbilisi City Hall confirmed the involvement of its employees in clashes with strikers, reflecting the tension and division in local governance regarding the responses to these protests. Activists have been vocal about their concerns over Ivanishvili’s influence, accusing him of undermining democracy and bolstering corruption. They claim, ‘The brutal reality of our government’s response to peaceful dissent is unacceptable, and we will continue to fight for our rights and the rights of those imprisoned for their beliefs’. These events have drawn significant attention both locally and internationally, as people continue to rally for change in Georgia’s political landscape.
Protests Erupt in Tbilisi Against Oligarchic Influence and Police Violence
