Tbilisi public transport hacked, playing pro-European messages
Ticket machines for public transport in Georgia’s capital city of Tbilisi, including buses and mini-buses, were reportedly hacked on January 24, playing a series of audio recordings that included pro-European messages, national anthems, and statements from notable Georgian politicians.
Tbilisi City Hall quickly responded to the situation, announcing that the ticket machines would be temporarily shut down due to the alleged cyberattack, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.
As a result, public transport services were made free for the duration of the technical issue. By midday, city officials confirmed that the machines had been repaired and services resumed.
Among the audio played was the Georgian national anthem, followed by the late President Zviad Gamsakhurdia’s declaration of independence from 1991. Additionally, excerpts from former Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania’s statement at the Council of Europe in 1999, “I am Georgian, therefore I am European,” were featured.
Mayor Kakha Kaladze addressed the media, labelling the incident as a cyber attack and assured the public that an investigation would be launched to identify those responsible.
Protests in Georgia began in October 2024, following the victory of the ruling Georgian Dream party in the parliamentary elections. The protests were sparked by the government's decision to postpone negotiations on Georgia's EU membership until 2028.