Giorgi Gakharia, former Prime Minister of Georgia and leader of the opposition party For Georgia, was hospitalized after being attacked at a Batumi hotel, reportedly by members of the ruling Georgian Dream party. The incident, which resulted in a broken nose and concussion, has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about Georgia political violence in the country.
Attack Details and Health Status
The assault occurred in the lobby of the Sheraton Hotel in Batumi, located on the Black Sea coast. In video footage from the incident, Gakharia is seen being forcibly pushed to the ground by a group of men. Later images show him covered in blood, with visible injuries. His party, For Georgia, has called the attack “politically motivated” and claims it was designed to intimidate opposition figures.
On social media, Gakharia shared that he was “doing fine healthwise” but confirmed that he had sustained a fractured nose and concussion. A doctor who treated him confirmed the injuries, adding that the attack had left Gakharia visibly shaken. The event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing Georgia political violence that has plagued the country in recent months.
Political Turmoil and Protests
Georgia has been embroiled in political unrest since the contentious parliamentary elections in October. The ruling Georgian Dream party has faced accusations of electoral fraud, leading to a wave of protests across the country. For more than a month, protests have been ongoing every night, fueled by the ruling party’s decision to freeze talks regarding Georgia’s potential accession to the European Union.
On Wednesday, hundreds of businesses in Georgia staged a three-hour strike, marking the 49th consecutive day of protests. Opposition groups, including Gakharia’s party, have refused to take their seats in parliament, accusing the Georgian Dream party of rigging the elections. This ongoing turmoil highlights the deepening Georgia political violence and the division between the ruling party and the opposition.
Georgian Dream’s Response to the Assault
While Gakharia’s party has strongly condemned the attack, members of the Georgian Dream party have suggested that Gakharia was responsible for initiating the altercation. One Georgian Dream MP implied that the opposition leader provoked the clash, while Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze went further, accusing the opposition of spreading “lies and deceit” in their political agenda.
The involvement of Georgian Dream politicians in the attack has raised concerns among international observers, including the European Commission, which described the incident as “shocking.” A spokesperson for the Commission emphasized that “there is no place for violence or impunity in any democracy.”
Journalists Targeted in Violent Clashes
The attack on Gakharia occurred shortly after another assault in Batumi, where Zviad Koridze, a journalist and regional head of Transparency International, was also attacked. Koridze had been in the city to cover the trial of Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of independent online outlets Netgazeti and Batumelebi, who was arrested following a heated dispute with a policeman. Koridze’s assault highlights a broader pattern of violence targeting journalists and media figures in Georgia.
The UK’s Ambassador to Georgia expressed concern over the increasing violence against opposition leaders and journalists, calling it “extremely worrying.” He added, “Renewed violence against opposition politicians and arbitrary detention of journalists and protesters is unacceptable.”
Violence Against Opposition Leaders and Journalists
This attack is not an isolated incident. In December, opposition leader Nika Gvaramia, head of the Coalition for Change, was knocked unconscious after being detained in Tbilisi. Additionally, many journalists and protesters have reported being attacked and injured by pro-government groups during the nightly protests.
The increasing instances of political violence in Georgia have drawn sharp criticism from both the EU and the United States, who have accused the Georgian government of democratic backsliding. Opposition groups argue that Georgian Dream, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, is pursuing policies that align more with Russian interests, despite the majority of Georgians wanting to join the EU.
Georgian Dream’s Alleged Ties to Russia
Opposition leaders, including Gakharia, have long accused Georgian Dream of working in favor of Russian political interests. Critics point to the party’s reluctance to pursue European Union membership and its perceived tolerance for Russia’s influence as evidence of its alignment with Moscow. These accusations have sparked fears about the future of Georgia’s democratic institutions and its relationship with the West.
The Call for Accountability and International Reactions
The European Parliament has voiced strong concerns about the legitimacy of the October elections, calling for a re-run due to irregularities and alleged voter suppression. The EU’s foreign policy chief criticized the Georgian government for using repression against the opposition, adding that Georgia’s path to democratic reform is being undermined by these violent tactics.
Levan Ioseliani, Georgia’s ombudsman, also condemned the recent attacks on both Gakharia and Zviad Koridze, urging authorities to take swift action. “There should be an immediate response to ensure that attacks on politicians and journalists are not incited,” Ioseliani said in a statement.
Gakharia’s Political Background and Future Prospects
Giorgi Gakharia was a key figure in the Georgian Dream party until 2021, when he resigned as Prime Minister and later founded the opposition party For Georgia. Gakharia’s political journey reflects the deepening divide in the country, as he and other former Georgian Dream members have become outspoken critics of the party’s drift toward authoritarianism.
Gakharia’s party was one of four opposition groups that secured seats in the October elections. However, they, along with other opposition parties, have refused to take up their seats, citing election fraud. The controversy surrounding the elections continues to fuel tensions between the ruling party and the opposition.
Conclusion
The recent attack on Giorgi Gakharia underscores the growing political violence and repression in Georgia. As the country grapples with allegations of election fraud, accusations of Russian influence, and violent crackdowns on opposition leaders and journalists, the future of Georgia’s democracy remains uncertain. International observers continue to call for a resolution that ensures free and fair elections, the protection of opposition voices, and the safeguarding of press freedom in the country. The ongoing Georgia political violence must be addressed to ensure the protection of democratic rights and to ease the rising tensions within the nation.