Police have detained several participants of the ongoing protest near Liberty Metro Station in Tbilisi, with demonstrators reporting at least three arrests. Among those detained is 71-year-old Aza Chilachava, a well-known protest participant who had previously faced administrative charges for covering her face during a demonstration.
Witnesses say the latest detentions are allegedly connected to the protesters’ act of blocking the road. Chilachava, who was found guilty of an administrative offense by the court on October 22 and released with a verbal warning, has now been placed in the Zahesi temporary detention isolator.
Her lawyer, Marika Arevadze, confirmed that Chilachava has started a hunger strike, refusing both food and water.
“It was a shocking sight — how they bring grandma in, and behind the bars, the word ‘Gagra’ is visible on her chest! Aza is spirited and fearless, as always. Despite many pleas, we couldn’t change her mind,” said Arevadze.
Law enforcement authorities state that Chilachava was detained under administrative procedures for artificially blocking the road. This is her second recent detention related to protest activity.
The incident has sparked public sympathy and debate over the treatment of elderly demonstrators and the broader handling of peaceful protests in the capital.
Header image: Aza Chilachava\Netgazeti
