Protests in Georgia: Over 30 participants were detained in Tbilisi, and there are reported injuries.

This is reported by Echo of the Caucasus, as conveyed by Ukrinform.

Among those detained are members of the "Coalition for Change" Nika Melia and Tengo Tevzadze, former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava, and activist Dmytro Bidzinashvili. It is still unclear whether they were detained administratively for disobeying the police or under a criminal charge for blocking the highway.

According to the lawyer, Melia was detained under an administrative article and has already been released. Melia later recounted that he was struck several times at the police station after his detention.

As noted, the police prevented demonstrators gathered near the Tbilisi Mall from blocking the road. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia repeatedly warned the organizers about the unacceptability of road blockades.

Some participants of the action moved to the Tbilisi City Court, then to the city center. This followed a series of clashes. Media footage captured scenes of beatings during the detentions. There are reported injuries.

The publication states that security forces, including the head of the special assignments department, who is under sanctions from Western countries, Zviad Karazishvili ("Khareba"), insulted and assaulted protesters.

There was also a confrontation between law enforcement and member of the "Unity - National Movement" Khatia Dekanoidze, who claimed that law enforcement insulted women participating in the protest. The police deny this. Additionally, Khatia Dekanoidze urged the special assignments department officials following the march to remove their masks and show their faces.

So far, there is no information on the number of those injured during the detentions. It is known that medical assistance was required for a TV operator from "Pirveli," and at least one demonstrator was taken away unconscious by an ambulance.

As previously reported, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated last November that Georgia is rejecting negotiations for EU membership and financial assistance from the EU until 2028.

This provoked mass protests that often escalated into violence, with police regularly deploying special units, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. Dozens of people, including activists and media representatives, were detained and assaulted by police.

On December 19 of last year, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and one of the leaders of the special operations unit due to brutal crackdowns on the opposition and peaceful citizens advocating for Euro-integration.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree implementing the decision of the National Security and Defense Council regarding sanctions against the pro-Russian government of Georgia.

Photo: RFE/RL