Law enforcement officers have detained several additional activists in connection with the events that took place on October 4.
Reportedly, those arrested include Mariam Mekhantishvili, Simon Makharadze, Davit Gurtskaia, and Giorgi Talakhadze.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has not yet confirmed the detentions, but Interpressnews reports that all four were arrested at dawn. Mariam Mekhantishvili has reportedly been transferred to a temporary detention facility in Zahesi.
It remains unclear what charges have been filed against the detainees.
On October 4, Tbilisi witnessed significant unrest during municipal elections, marked by opposition-led protests that escalated into clashes with security forces. Protesters attempted to breach the Orbeliani Palace, the presidential residence, leading to confrontations with riot police who deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. The unrest resulted in injuries to both demonstrators and law enforcement officers.
In the aftermath, Georgian authorities initiated a crackdown, leading to a series of arrests. As of October 11, the number of individuals detained in connection with the October 4 events had reached 48, including two in absentia. Among those arrested were five organizers of the rally, who face charges related to attempting to overthrow the government. The remaining detainees, primarily protesters, have been charged with participating in group violence and attempting to seize or blockade strategic facilities.
The legal proceedings have been swift, with 44 of the 46 arrested individuals sent to pre-trial detention, while the remaining two were granted bail. The government’s actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that the measures threaten democratic freedoms and signal repression of dissent.
These developments have further strained Georgia’s relations with Western nations, as the ruling Georgian Dream party continues to assert its pro-European stance while facing increasing domestic and international scrutiny over its handling of opposition and civil liberties.
Related story: 44 sent to pre-trial detention over October 4 events, 2 released on bail
