Two opposition leaders were detained during mass protests in Tbilisi against the ruling Georgian Dream Party. Demonstrations, ongoing since November over alleged election fraud in the October 2024 parliamentary elections, escalated as thousands blocked highways and gathered outside parliament.
Police intervened, detaining Nika Melia, leader of the pro-European Akhali party, and former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava. Melia was later released. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the crackdown, stating Georgia falls short of EU candidate expectations. The Georgian government had suspended EU accession talks until 2028, citing pressure from Brussels.
TR