Georgia reports over 50 injured during October 4 protests in Tbilisi

The Georgian Ministry of Health has confirmed that more than 50 individuals required medical assistance following the events of October 4 in Tbilisi.

The ministry stated that emergency medical services transported six protesters and 21 law enforcement officers to hospitals for treatment. An additional 30 individuals received on-site medical assistance, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

“The victims sustained various injuries,” the Ministry of Health reported. “The condition of one police officer was assessed as serious. Some of the injured underwent further medical examinations and remain under observation.”

On October 4, Tbilisi witnessed significant unrest during municipal elections, marked by opposition-led protests that escalated into clashes with security forces. Protesters attempted to breach the Orbeliani Palace, the presidential residence, leading to confrontations with riot police who deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The unrest resulted in injuries to both demonstrators and law enforcement officers.

In the aftermath, Georgian authorities initiated a crackdown, leading to a series of arrests. As of October 11, the number of individuals detained in connection with the October 4 events had reached 48, including two in absentia. Among those arrested were five organizers of the rally, who face charges related to attempting to overthrow the government. The remaining detainees, primarily protesters, have been charged with participating in group violence and attempting to seize or blockade strategic facilities.

The legal proceedings have been swift, with 44 of the 46 arrested individuals sent to pre-trial detention, while the remaining two were granted bail. The government’s actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that the measures threaten democratic freedoms and signal repression of dissent.

These developments have further strained Georgia’s relations with Western nations, as the ruling Georgian Dream party continues to assert its pro-European stance while facing increasing domestic and international scrutiny over its handling of opposition and civil liberties.

By Vafa Guliyeva