Georgian court jails opposition leader Gvaramia Over protest equipment seizure

A court in Tbilisi has sentenced Nika Gvaramia, leader of the opposition party "Akhali," to 12 days in administrative detention after his arrest on December 4 following a scuffle outside the office of the opposition party "Droa."

The court found Gvaramia guilty of minor hooliganism and disobedience to police under the Administrative Offences Code, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

During the incident, law enforcement officers seized fireworks and other equipment typically used by protesters at demonstrations against the police.

To recall, protests have continued in Tbilisi for seventh consecutive days, following the Georgian government’s announcement to delay negotiations for EU membership until 2028. Demonstrators gathered on December 3 outside the parliament building, where a strong police presence, including water cannons, was deployed.

Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze confirmed five detentions for allegedly attacking police officers and damaging property, with potential prison sentences of up to seven years. Since November 28, authorities have arrested 293 individuals for administrative violations, and 143 police officers have been injured in clashes.

The Georgian Health Ministry reported that 147 individuals were hospitalized between November 29 and December 2 due to protest-related injuries. Despite warnings from authorities and the church to avoid bringing children, minors have been involved in the protests.

Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili defended the delay in EU talks, stating it was a temporary measure to avoid speculation. However, the opposition has intensified calls for a review of the October 26 parliamentary elections, which they claim were flawed. The Constitutional Court upheld the election results, rejecting claims of disenfranchisement and voting secrecy issues.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused opposition leaders and President Zourabichvili of orchestrating the protests, while the US has expressed discontent with the Georgian government’s recent actions, including sanctions and aid freezes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev