Georgian opposition leader Zurab Japaridze arrested as pro-EU protest rages
Al Jazeera
The police action comes as protesters refuse to back down over the government delaying talks about joining the EU.
Georgian police have arrested prominent opposition leader Zurab Japaridze after using water cannon and tear gas to disperse tens of thousands of antigovernment protesters who refused to back down over the government delaying talks on joining the European Union.
Japaridze’s arrest on Monday comes as Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the opposition of “coordinated violence” aimed at overthrowing the constitutional order.
The Coalition for Change, the country’s largest opposition party, confirmed Japaridze’s arrest early in a post on X.
“Japaridze was fleeing together with other protesters as he was grabbed, indicating this was a conscious, targeted move by the regime,” the statement said.
Footage showed Japaridze being placed in an unmarked vehicle by masked police early on Monday. It was unclear if he would be charged with any offence.
