First arrests of protesters in Georgia after Kavelashvili's inauguration
Photo: arrests of protesters began in Tbilisi (t.me/Tbilisi_life)
In Georgia, law enforcement carried out the first arrests of protesters near the parliament building. The participants of the demonstration are opposing Mikhail Kavelashvili's inauguration as president, reports Echo of the Caucasus.
As noted on social media, law enforcement in Tbilisi received orders to arrest participants of the protest on Rustaveli Avenue. The police are carrying out arrests on the grounds that the protesters are allegedly obstructing traffic.
Locals report that at least four people have been detained.
In the footage shared online, participants of the protest can be seen attempting to "rescue" those being detained by law enforcement. Reports indicate that there are casualties as a result of the clashes.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has not commented on the arrests.
Photo: Demonstrators begin to be detained in Tbilisi (t.me/Tbilisi_life)
Political crisis in Georgia
On December 29, Mikhail Kavelashvili, elected by the Georgian Dream party, took the presidential oath. He was chosen as president by the electoral college on December 14. Kavelashvili was the only candidate for the presidency nominated by the ruling party.
Opposition President Salome Zourabichvili stated that she does not intend to step down until new elections are held.
However, today Zourabichvili voluntarily left the presidential palace and declared that she "withdraws legitimacy."
Opposition parties, European countries, and the United States do not recognize Kavelashvili as the president of Georgia.
