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Georgian Police Use Tear Gas and Water Cannons Against Protesters in Tbilisi

Georgian Police Deploy Tear Gas Against Protesters

Georgian riot police used tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray against protesters in Tbilisi on October 4, 2025, during boycotted municipal elections. Five opposition leaders were later charged with coup attempt.

  • Riot police deployed tear gas water cannons pepper
  • Opposition parties boycotted municipal elections across Georgia
  • Protesters attempted to breach presidential palace fence
  • Twenty one security personnel six protesters sustained injuries
  • Thirteen individuals detained during initial police crackdown
  • Five opposition leaders charged with coup by October
  • Prime Minister warned of further opposition member arrests
  • Government suspended European Union membership talks last year

Georgian riot police deployed tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray against protesters in Tbilisi on October 4, 2025, during municipal elections boycotted by major opposition parties [1]. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Freedom Square and along Rustaveli Avenue, attempting to breach the presidential palace after opposition leaders called for a peaceful revolution against the ruling Georgian Dream party [2]. The clashes resulted in injuries to 21 security personnel and 6 protesters, with 13 individuals initially detained [3].

Police Response to Presidential Palace Breach

Riot police equipped with armor forcefully repelled protesters using pepper spray and water cannons as demonstrators tried to storm the presidential palace gates shortly before polls closed [1]. The Ministry of Internal Affairs declared the demonstration unlawful, stating it had exceeded the norms set by law [2].

Injury Reports and Initial Detentions

Georgia’s health ministry reported specific casualty figures from the confrontations [3]. Law enforcement detained 13 individuals in connection with the disturbances that unfolded throughout the day [3].

Opposition Calls for Peaceful Revolution

Opposition factions urged supporters to participate in what they termed a peaceful revolution against Georgian Dream, which they have labeled as pro-Russian and authoritarian [2]. The largest opposition groups chose to boycott the municipal elections entirely, arguing the ruling party manipulated previous electoral results [3].

Context of European Union Aspirations

The demonstrations occur amid ongoing tensions following Georgian Dream’s suspension of European Union membership discussions last year, derailing a constitutional objective vital to many citizens [2]. Demonstrators waved Georgian and EU flags while displaying signs advocating for EU membership [1]. Since the ruling party’s victory in elections the opposition claims were manipulated, pro-Western opposition groups have organized continuous demonstrations despite widespread arrests and police brutality [3].

Key Details of October Events

The municipal elections and resulting protests unfolded with several significant elements:

Tens of thousands assembled in central Tbilisi on Saturday coinciding with local elections in the nation of 3.7 million [1]
Riot police used tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray to disperse crowds [1]
Protesters attempted to breach presidential palace fence moments before polls closed [2]
Health ministry reported 21 security personnel and 6 protesters injured [3]
Ministry of Internal Affairs detained 13 individuals initially [3]
Five opposition leaders charged with coup attempt by October 7 [4]
Among those arrested was renowned opera singer Paata Burchuladze [4]
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned of further arrests on Sunday [4]

Subsequent Legal Actions Against Opposition

By Monday, October 7, prosecutors brought charges against five opposition leaders, accusing them of attempting to destabilize the government [4]. The allegations carry a potential maximum sentence of nine years in prison for calls to violently change Georgia’s constitutional framework or overthrow state authority [4]. Prime Minister Kobakhidze described the events as an attempted coup, stating no one would escape consequences for violence inflicted on the state and law enforcement agencies [4].

Protester Sophio Asatiani expressed to media outlets that demonstrators are fighting for their rights and independence, hoping to avoid a return to the Soviet period when Georgia was governed from Moscow [2]. The government’s crackdown includes legislation targeting protesters, rights organizations, NGOs, and independent media, with critics arguing some laws mirror those enacted in Russia where President Vladimir Putin has severely suppressed opposition [3].

Emily Johnson

Emily Johnson

Senior Political Journalist

United States – Washington, D.C. World

Emily Johnson is a senior journalist and political analyst with nearly a decade of experience in political journalism, international affairs, policy analysis, and investigative reporting. She holds a B.A. in Journalism & Political Communication from Georgetown University (2015), where she built a strong foundation in international relations, media ethics, and data-driven reporting. Emily began her career as a staff writer for Reuters before joining Politico Europe, where she became known for her evidence-based and policy-focused coverage of global political developments, leadership transitions, and international diplomacy. Currently based in Berlin, Germany, she contributes to Faharas NET, focusing on global politics, European policy, and cross-border investigations. Her writing blends rigorous fact-checking, accessible analysis, and deep geopolitical insight, earning her a reputation for credibility and balance in an increasingly polarized media landscape.

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Dr. Nodin Laramie is the Finance Author & Budgeting Editor at FaharasNET, specializing in behavioral money coaching and personal finance education. With over 15 years of experience helping families improve their financial wellbeing, Dr. Laramie has contributed to major finance publications and led workshops on budgeting, debt management, and wealth building. Recognized for his evidence-based approach and clear, actionable advice, he combines academic expertise with real-world strategy to empower readers to achieve financial independence. At FaharasNET, Dr. Laramie oversees editorial standards, provides deep insights into saving methods, and advocates for ethical financial practices in the digital age. His mission is to simplify complex financial concepts for everyday readers, enabling smarter decisions and a more secure financial future.

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Revisions
— by Nodin Laramie
  1. Comprehensive fact verification using Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, and Bloomberg sources
  2. Added pepper spray to police tactics description alongside tear gas and water cannons
  3. Included injury statistics: 21 security personnel and 6 protesters
  4. Added detention numbers: 13 individuals arrested on October 4
  5. Incorporated October 7 charges against 5 opposition leaders with coup attempt allegations
  6. Expanded context about Georgian Dream party and EU membership suspension
  7. Added protester quotes from Davit Mzhavanadze and Sophio Asatiani
  8. Included details about opera singer Paata Burchuladze arrest
  9. Added Prime Minister Kobakhidze statements about further arrests
  10. Incorporated specific locations: Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue
  11. Added Georgia population context: 3.7 million citizens
  12. Expanded timeline from October 4 protests through October 7 legal actions
  13. Corrected source attribution from Interfax to Bloomberg
  14. Restructured article with clear section headings and comprehensive list
— by Nodin Laramie
Initial publication.

Correction Record

Accountability
— by Nodin Laramie
  1. Source attribution corrected from Interfax to Bloomberg
  2. Added pepper spray to police tactics used (original only mentioned tear gas and water cannons)
  3. Included specific injury count: 21 security personnel and 6 protesters (original lacked exact figures)
  4. Added detention numbers: 13 individuals arrested on October 4 (original did not specify)
  5. Included October 7 follow-up: 5 opposition leaders charged with coup attempt (original lacked this development)
  6. Added specific protest locations: Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue (original only mentioned city center)
  7. Included protester and official names previously absent from original

FAQ

What prompted the October 4 protests in Tbilisi Georgia?

The protests were triggered by municipal elections that major opposition parties boycotted, calling for a peaceful revolution against the ruling Georgian Dream party. Opposition leaders accused the government of being pro-Russian and authoritarian, particularly after it suspended European Union membership discussions last year, derailing a constitutional objective important to many citizens.

How many people were injured during the clashes?

Georgia's health ministry reported that 21 security personnel and 6 protesters sustained injuries during the confrontations on October 4, 2025. The riot police used tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray to disperse protesters who attempted to breach the presidential palace fence, leading to violent clashes throughout the day.

What charges were brought against opposition leaders after the protests?

By October 7, prosecutors charged five opposition leaders with attempting to destabilize the government, carrying a maximum sentence of nine years in prison. Among those arrested was opera singer Paata Burchuladze. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze described the events as an attempted coup and warned of further arrests.

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