EU’s HR/VP Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos have commented on Georgia’s October 4 local elections, which they said came “amid a period of extensive crackdown on dissent,” urging “calm and restraint” after the vote and calling for the release of those “arbitrarily detained.” “Months of raids on independent media, the passing of laws …| Civil Georgia
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) announced on October 5 that it had traced “large quantities” of firearms, ammunition, and explosives with a detonator, alleging they were intended for “subversive acts” during the October 4 unrest in Tbilisi and linking them to a “military unit” in Ukraine. The agency said the arms were discovered …| Civil Georgia
According to preliminary official results from the Central Election Commission, with all 3,061 precincts counted nationwide, Georgian Dream has secured a sweeping victory in both proportional and mayoral races across all 64 municipalities in the October 4 local elections. The elections were partially boycotted by the opposition and had only limited independent observation. Preliminary CEC …| Civil Georgia
Following the local elections and the night of localized unrest instigated by some protest rally organizers, Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze doubled down on the narrative of retribution against protesters and their political opponents. Speaking at a special press conference, Kobakhidze proclaimed that “all who came at 16:00 at the Liberty Square, all of …| Civil Georgia
Georgia’s October 4 local elections take place across Georgia amid a partial opposition boycott, scant credible observation, continued repression by Georgian Dream authorities, jailings of protesters and opposition members, and a crackdown on independent media and watchdogs. The vote comes approximately a year after the disputed parliamentary elections, and just 10 months into the non-stop protests that erupted …| Civil Georgia
Police have arrested five persons, including opposition figures and opera singer Paata Burchuladze, after the October 4 election day rally that they organized in Tbilisi escalated into unrest. They face up to nine years in prison. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the detainees include Burchuladze, a singer and activist, as well as opposition …| Civil Georgia
The Central Election Commission (CEC) released preliminary results of the October 4 municipal elections, according to which the Georgian Dream party leads with 80.7% of the vote nationwide, compared to a combined 19.3% received by opposition parties. Only two major opposition groups, Lelo and Gakharia – For Georgia, participated in the local elections. Others boycotted, …| Civil Georgia