On February 3, 2025, significant unrest unfolded in Tbilisi, Georgia, as police arrested several opposition leaders during a large pro-democracy demonstration. The rally marked a resurgence of protests that have been ongoing since November 2024, primarily against the ruling Georgia Dream Party.
Opposition figures Nika Melia, leader of the Akhali party, and former Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava were among those detained. Melia was arrested on an administrative charge but was released shortly after midnight upon signing a promise to appear in court. Eyewitness accounts and footage from independent media revealed instances of police violence against protesters.
The protests were fueled by claims of voter fraud in the October 2024 elections and dissatisfaction with the government's perceived authoritarian policies. Demonstrators expressed anger over the decision to postpone EU accession talks until 2028, a move that contradicts Georgia's constitutional commitment to join the European Union.
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the crackdown on peaceful protests, emphasizing that Georgia's actions fall short of expectations for a candidate country. The EU has recently suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats, citing the violent repression of dissent.
As tensions escalate, rights activists have voiced concerns over a campaign of intimidation against those participating in the protests, which have seen over 400 arrests since the initial wave of demonstrations began.