On February 3, 2025, police in Tbilisi, Georgia, arrested two prominent opposition leaders during a protest against the ruling Georgian Dream party. The protests erupted following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement that the government would not pursue EU membership talks before 2028.
The detained individuals included Nika Melia, leader of the liberal Akhali party, and former Tbilisi mayor Gigi Ugulava. Reports indicate that Melia was later released on bail. He alleged mistreatment while in custody, claiming he was kicked by a police officer.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside a shopping complex in Tbilisi, briefly blocking a major road, prompting warnings from the Interior Ministry that such actions could lead to criminal charges. The protests mark a continuation of civil unrest in Georgia, which has seen daily demonstrations since the government's announcement.
In previous protests last November, over 400 demonstrators were arrested. The Georgian Dream party, which has faced allegations of electoral fraud following its claimed victory in October elections, continues to face opposition from various groups.
Additionally, Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as Georgia's new president in December, an election process criticized by former President Salome Zourabichvili as fraudulent. Zourabichvili, once aligned with Georgian Dream, has increasingly distanced herself from the party.
Last year, widespread protests also occurred in response to legislation that increased government oversight of NGOs and media.