Georgia: Number of arrests climbs to 36 over attempted storming of president’s residence

Georgian authorities have detained another participant in the October 4 protest in Tbilisi, bringing the total number of arrests linked to the attempted storming of the presidential residence to 36.

The incident occurred on the evening of October 4, coinciding with municipal elections, when demonstrators tried to break into the presidential residence in the capital, Caliber.Az reports per Georgian media.

Protesters described their actions as an effort to “transfer power to the people”. Police used special equipment and water cannon to disperse the crowd.

The authorities have since launched criminal proceedings against several individuals accused of organising or participating in the attack on the presidential compound.

Major opposition rally in Georgia escalated into clashes with police outside the Orbeliani presidential residence on Saturday (October 4). The organisers, who had gathered tens of thousands of people for what they called a “peaceful revolution”, unexpectedly urged protesters to “seize state institutions”.

A relatively small group of demonstrators knocked down the fence and attempted to break into the presidential palace grounds, prompting the police to use water cannons and tear gas. According to the Health Ministry, there were injuries on both sides during the clashes.

The opposition had initially announced a boycott of the municipal elections, claiming they were predetermined and refusing to recognise the legitimacy of the ruling Georgian Dream party. However, the boycott was not unanimous.

The Lelo party and For Georgia, led by Giorgi Gakharia, decided to take part in the elections. Several opposition figures had declared that a “peaceful change of power” would take place on the same day and called on supporters to gather on Rustaveli Avenue. Tens of thousands of people attended.

But when sudden calls to storm the presidential palace were made from the stage, most of the crowd began to disperse or remained on Rustaveli Avenue, continuing a peaceful protest.

By Aghakazim Guliyev