Georgi Gakharia, an opposition leader in Georgia, was brutally attacked at a hotel, allegedly by members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, resulting in a broken nose and concussion. This incident highlights the increasing political violence amid ongoing protests against the government's recent actions and its perceived authoritarianism.
Opposition Leader Georgi Gakharia Attacked in Hotel, Blames Ruling Party
Opposition Leader Georgi Gakharia Attacked in Hotel, Blames Ruling Party
Former Prime Minister suffers injuries in what his party claims is a politically motivated assault amid ongoing protests in Georgia.
In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage, former Georgian Prime Minister and opposition party leader Giorgi Gakharia was attacked at a hotel in Batumi, sustaining serious injuries, including a broken nose and concussion, as confirmed by his doctor. His party claims this violent act was politically motivated, intended to intimidate opposition members. This altercation comes amidst a backdrop of increasing political tensions and nightly protests following contentious elections in October.
Video footage shows Gakharia being forcibly restrained by a group of men in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel. While he later stated on social media that he was doing well health-wise, his injuries indicate a serious physical assault. European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper condemned the reported involvement of Georgian Dream politicians, emphasizing that violence has no place in any democracy.
Despite Gakharia's claims, members of Georgia's ruling party have accused him of provoking the chaos. This assault follows a disturbing trend of violence against opposition figures, as demonstrated by a recent attack on journalist Zviad Koridze in the same region. The political unrest gained traction after the ruling party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, announced a pause on discussions regarding Georgia's integration with the EU, which has fueled public dissent.
The UK's ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward expressed deep concern over the rising violence against politicians and journalists, stating such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society. Gakharia, who was a key figure in Georgian Dream, formed his own opposition party after resigning from the ruling faction in 2021. Following the disputed elections, opposition parties, including Gakharia's, have consistently called for a fair electoral process and have received support from the European Parliament, which demanded a re-run due to allegations of vote-rigging.
Levan Ioseliani, Georgia's ombudsman, has condemned the brutality against Gakharia and Koridze, urging for immediate action to prevent further incitement against politicians and journalists. These recent developments suggest a concerning trajectory for democracy in Georgia, as the international community watches closely and raises alarms over the political violence within the nation.
Video footage shows Gakharia being forcibly restrained by a group of men in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel. While he later stated on social media that he was doing well health-wise, his injuries indicate a serious physical assault. European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper condemned the reported involvement of Georgian Dream politicians, emphasizing that violence has no place in any democracy.
Despite Gakharia's claims, members of Georgia's ruling party have accused him of provoking the chaos. This assault follows a disturbing trend of violence against opposition figures, as demonstrated by a recent attack on journalist Zviad Koridze in the same region. The political unrest gained traction after the ruling party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, announced a pause on discussions regarding Georgia's integration with the EU, which has fueled public dissent.
The UK's ambassador to Georgia, Gareth Ward expressed deep concern over the rising violence against politicians and journalists, stating such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society. Gakharia, who was a key figure in Georgian Dream, formed his own opposition party after resigning from the ruling faction in 2021. Following the disputed elections, opposition parties, including Gakharia's, have consistently called for a fair electoral process and have received support from the European Parliament, which demanded a re-run due to allegations of vote-rigging.
Levan Ioseliani, Georgia's ombudsman, has condemned the brutality against Gakharia and Koridze, urging for immediate action to prevent further incitement against politicians and journalists. These recent developments suggest a concerning trajectory for democracy in Georgia, as the international community watches closely and raises alarms over the political violence within the nation.
