Georgia arrests opposition leaders during protests

(CLO) Georgian police arrested several anti -government protesters on Sunday, as thousands took to the streets demanding new elections and blocked a highway on the outskirts of the capital Tbilisi.

Reuters news agency reported that at least three protesters were arrested, including Mr. Nika Melia, leader of Georgia's largest opposition party - Alliance for Change.

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Video of Georgian people protesting in November 2024. Source: X

Interfax news agency said Mr Melia was released on bail on charges of administrative violations. Before the protest, Georgia's Interior Ministry said it would ensure the march took place in a " peaceful environment, in accordance with the law".

Local media reported that besides Melia, former Tbilisi Mayor Giorgi Ugulava was also arrested.

Georgians have been protesting every night since November 2024 after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced the postponement of accession negotiations with the European Union (EU) until 2028.

This was seen as reversing an important national goal, causing a wave of anti-government protests to erupt.

The October 2024 parliamentary election was also controversial, with the opposition accusing the government of electoral fraud, while the government insisted the vote was fair and transparent.

Although the protest movement showed signs of waning in late 2024, it flared up again on February 2, when thousands gathered in front of a large shopping mall north of Tbilisi and blocked the main highway leaving the city.

Authorities have deployed a heavy police presence at the protest site. Georgia's Interior Ministry warned earlier that blocking the highway would be illegal.

Cao Phong (according to AJ, Reuters, Interfax)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/canh-sat-georgia-bat-giu-cac-lanh-dao-doi-lap-trong-cuoc-bieu-tinh-post332782.html