In Batumi, Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the opposition “Gakharia for Georgia” party and former Prime Minister, was assaulted in a hotel by ruling Georgian Dream Party MP Dmitri Samkharadze. The altercation reportedly began as a verbal dispute in the hotel lobby and escalated into a physical attack, leaving Gakharia with a broken nose and requiring medical attention.

Gakharia later discharged himself from the clinic and reassured supporters via social media, stating, “I am fine, but today we should focus on those unjustly imprisoned who need our collective support more than ever.”

The Interior Ministry has launched an investigation under Article 126 of the Criminal Code, addressing acts of violence. Gakharia’s party blamed the ruling party for the attack, calling it an attempt to suppress opposition voices.