Georgia in Crisis: Police Raid Opposition Offices Amid Protests Over Election Fraud

Georgia’s political turmoil intensified on Wednesday as police raided opposition party offices, drawing widespread condemnation. The raids followed Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s declaration to crackdown on pro-European Union protests, which have gripped the capital, Tbilisi, since the controversial October 26 parliamentary elections.

The protests, led by allegations of election fraud and opposition to the government’s decision to suspend EU membership talks until 2028, have seen tens of thousands of demonstrators take to the streets. Prime Minister Kobakhidze blamed “radical opposition” groups for the unrest, vowing that no one, including politicians hiding in their offices, would escape accountability.

In the wake of the crackdown, Georgian police arrested Akhali liberal opposition leader and raided the offices of the Droa party. Droa leader Elene Khoshtaria shared on X, “They are now in our party office, searching. Likely hoping to find something to charge some of our members with trumped-up charges.”

The protests have turned violent, with over 300 people detained and dozens injured in clashes between protesters and police outside the parliament building. Opposition leaders have accused the government of using “torture” against detainees and waging “terror and repression” against its critics. The US and EU have condemned the government’s actions, with several diplomats, including ambassadors and a deputy foreign minister, resigning in protest.

The crisis has revealed deep political divisions, with the ruling Georgian Dream party facing accusations of aligning too closely with Moscow, despite strong anti-Russian sentiment in the country. The government has been criticized for advancing Russia-like legislation that targets civil society, independent media, and LGBTQ rights.

Although Georgia and Russia do not have formal diplomatic ties since the 2008 war, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova indicated on Wednesday that Moscow was open to fostering closer relations with Tbilisi.

As the situation continues to worsen, concerns grow over the impact on Georgia’s democracy and its relations with the European Union.