2024–2025 Georgian protests

On 28October 2024, protests began inGeorgiaafter the preliminary official results were announced of theparliamentary electionof 26 October. The rulingGeorgian Dreamwon the majority of seats in parliament according to those results. The demonstrators claimed that the elections were fraudulent, and demanded a recount and a new election. The protests also center around the2024 Georgian Presidential Election, which was won byMikheil Kavelashvili, who was the only candidate on the ballot.
A string of protests and legal challenges against the election outcome took place in the following months and escalated on 28November when the ruling party announced that, contrary to its election promises, it would "suspend" theEuropean Unionaccession process until the end of 2028. This decision occurred against the background of Georgians' high levels of trust in the EU.
Police and ruling party-affiliated violent groups engaged in widespread violence andtortureagainst protesters and journalists.Evidence circulated on social media indicating violence byTitushky.ThePublic Defender of Georgiafound that the type and severity of injuries intentionally inflicted on protesters "constitutes an act of torture".
On 13 February 2025, theEuropean Parliamentpassed a resolution stating that theEuropean Uniondoes not recognize the results of both the parliamentary and presidential elections as legitimate. Additionally, the European Parliament called for sanctions against high-ranking Georgian officials involved in undermining democratic processes, as well as oligarchBidzina Ivanishvili.
On 28October, tens of thousands of protesters rallied inTbilisito protest the results of the recentparliamentary elections, whichPresidentSalome Zourabichvilicriticized as rife with irregularities.Addressing the crowd, Zourabichvili claimed the rulingGeorgian Dreamparty employed tactics akin to those used inRussia, arguing that the election results did not accurately reflect voters' intentions. Officially, Georgian Dream was reported to have won over 54 percent of the vote, securing the parliamentary majority.President Zourabichvili, in her address, reassured demonstrators, stating, "You did not lose the election. They stole your vote and tried to steal your future".
Election observers said instances of intimidation and other violations were particularly noticeable in rural areas. In those areas, Georgian Dream received up to 90 percent of the vote according to the results, suggesting a possible scheme to favor Georgian Dream in those areas.TheEuropean Union, several of its members likeGermanyandFrance, and theUnited Statescalled for an investigation into these allegations. The ambassador of the European Union to GeorgiaPaweł Herczyńskistated that "international observers have not declared the elections to be free and fair. Neither have they declared the contrary".
TheEuropean Commissionand theHigh Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security PolicyJosep Borrellcalled on theCentral Election Commission of Georgia(CEC) to "swiftly, transparently and independently investigate and adjudicate electoral irregularities and allegations thereof".ThePresident of the European CouncilCharles Michelstated that the allegations of irregularities "must be seriously clarified and addressed".Meanwhile,Hungary,China, andTurkeycongratulated Georgian Dream on their victory in the election.On 30 October, theProsecutor's Office of Georgialaunched an investigation into the election fraud allegations.
On 4November, opposition parties in Tbilisi staged another rally outside theGeorgian parliament, unveiling a strategy to contest the election results. Prior to that rally, a large group, including opposition leaders, marched from thecentral railway stationthrough the city toRustaveli Avenueand the parliament. At the rally the pro-Western opposition claimed once again the vote of 26October was "stolen", rejected the results and called for non-recognition of the legitimacy of the newly elected parliament. The opposition demanded new elections with international supervision and called for a "peaceful front of opposition" which should start in Tbilisi and spread across the country.
Opposition leaders said the protests would intensify over time and urged supporters to gather across Tbilisi in large numbers to obstruct parliament access and maintain visible pressure on authorities.Meanwhile,Transparency International Georgiareported on several instances of electoral misconduct during the elections, including unauthorized voting with confiscated IDs, which they partly attributed to negligence by theCentral Election Commission(CEC).A day later, the opposition protested at theTbilisi Court of Appealand marched through Tbilisi afterwards, hindering traffic.The Appeals court began the review of cases on election violations, which were ruled by lower district courts in favor of the opposition claims.
On 12November, another protest was held in front of parliament, where speeches were delivered by the chairpersons of the foreign relations committees of Germany, Finland, Sweden, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland.Prior to the protest, they also held meetings with President Zourabichvili.
On 14November, students atBatumi State Universitywent on strike, accusing the election administration of aligning with the Georgian Dream and demanding new elections. After occupying the university, they faced heating and electricity cuts but continued their protest outside, urging nationwide support. Solidarity protests spread to Tbilisi, with students fromIlia State University,Tbilisi State University,Caucasus University, theMedical University, andGIPAjoining, while universities inKutaisialso expressed support.
On 15November, a court in Tbilisi dismissed 11 lawsuits filed by opposition parties and civil society groups questioning the conduct of the election, during which the CEC was the defendant.As the CEC officially certified the result the next day, its chair, Giorgi Kalandarishvili, was doused with black paint by CEC commissioner David Kirtadze, a member of the oppositionUnited National Movement, who said that the official results of the vote did not reflect the electorate's "true choice".
On 17November, a large rally took place in front of the Parliament building, while theCoalition for Change(CfC), initiated a parallel protest nearTbilisi State UniversityonChavchavadze Avenue. The group blocked the avenue, set up tents, and announced a 24-hour sit-in. The protest remained peaceful as activists erected tents, with police refraining from intervention. By evening, demonstrators fromRustaveli Avenuejoined the group at the university.
However, tensions escalated on 19 November, when police forcefully dismantled the protest camp at dawn. At least 16 people were arrested, including a cameraman for the opposition television channelMtavari Arkhi. Despite the initial setback, protesters regrouped and reclaimed Chavchavadze Avenue by the evening.
On 18November, Zourabichvili filed a lawsuit withConstitutional Court, seeking to annul the results of the election. A statement from her office declared the election results "unconstitutional," citing violations of the principles of universality and secrecy.
Later, outrage erupted after riot police were let intoTbilisi State Universityand used it as a staging ground for dispering peaceful protesters on 19 November, sparking accusations that the university was enabling the crackdown. Student Movements and lecturers demanded the Rector's resignation, accusing TSU of betraying academic values. While the Interior Ministry denied using TSU as a base, protests and condemnation from professors and students across Georgia continued, highlighting TSU's alleged lack of independence under the Georgian Dream government.Several activists and students from different universities entered TSU's main campus as part of the ongoing protest and started a strike demanding resignation.The new parliament held its inaugural session on 25 November, with only 88 MPs from Georgian Dream in attendance. President Zourabichvili boycotted the session, while protests continued outside the parliament building.Constitutional experts said the self-inauguration of Parliament without the president calling this session is in violation of the constitution, challenging the legitimacy of parliament and calling it a "power grab".According to the Georgian constitution, it is the president's task to call the inaugural session of parliament. She refused to do so as she rejected the election results as rigged, questioning the legitimacy of parliament.President Zourabichvili called the convocation of parliament "unconstitutional",while the chair of the parliamentShalva Papuashviliaccused Zourabichvili of violating constitution in response, saying that according to constitution the new parliament must be convened no later than 10 days after official announcement of results by the Central Election Commission.
On 28 November, the new convocation of the Parliament of Georgia confirmed the government ofIrakli Kobakhidze, who made several changes to its composition.The official program was titled "Towards Europe with Peace, Dignity, and Prosperity", which the ruling party adopted as a slogan during the pre-election campaign with its emphasis on "joining the European Union only whilst playing by Georgian rules, avoiding being drawn intoRusso-Ukrainian warand preserving thetraditional values".On the same day, theEuropean Parliamentpassed the resolution demanding new elections in Georgia "under international supervision". It called on theEuropean Commissionto impose sanctions on the leaders of the Georgian government.In the evening, Kobakhidze held a press briefing. He announced the unilateral suspension of EU accession, as well as rejecting any budgetary grants and loans from the EU until 2028. Kobakhidze said that EU accession and grants had been used as a "naked instrument of blackmail" by EU bodies such as the European Parliament, citing the resolutions adopted by the EP in the past years regarding Georgia. He condemned "interference by some European politicians and bureaucrats in parliamentary elections", as well as their alleged "attempts to incite revolution in Georgia". Kobakhidze said that Georgia would continue implementing theGeorgia—European Union Association Agreement, and would revive the topic of opening the accession negotiations with the European Union in 2028, after strengthening its economy.Hours later, Russian presidentVladimir Putinpraised the move, saying he "admired [the administration's] courage and character, which they showed when defending their point of view".The protests against the decision began in front of the Georgian parliament building during the same day and continued during several days, primarily in Tbilisi but also in other cities includingBatumi,Poti,Zugdidi, and Kutaisi.
The parliament also set a date for the2024 Georgian presidential electionon 14December. After the2017 constitutional reform, the president is no longer elected by popular vote, but instead through a 300-member Electoral College, including all 150 MPs, all representatives from thesupreme councils of the AbkhazianandAdjaran autonomous republics, and local bodies.Georgian Dream, holding a majority in the Electoral College, nominatedMikheil Kavelashvili, a member of its allyPeople's Power, to the presidency.Zourabichvili, the last president to be elected by popular vote,rejected the legitimacy of the current parliament and said that she would not step down as president "until the legitimate parliament is elected that will legitimately elect [a replacement]".Kobakhidze responded by saying "of course on 29December she'll have to leave".
The protests were marked by widespread violence against protesters and journalists by the police.Some police officers were injured.RFE/RLjournalist Tamuna Chkareuli reported that she had "never experienced this level of aggression from the police before".Amnesty Internationalstated that "this recurring pattern of violence and human rights violations, well-documented since last year's protests, reveals the Georgian government's strategy to deploy the full machinery of the state to punish and suppress dissent".
Meanwhile, Kobakhidze said that protestors, not police, are responsible for "systemic violence".He called the protests "violent demonstrations" while alleging the involvement of "foreign entities",including saying that the protests are funded from abroad.Some people, initially identified as protestors, were recorded attacking the police withMolotov cocktailsand pyrotechnic devices.Late in December, a high ranking defector from the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs claimed that the authorities paid 500 to 1000GELtoprovocateursto throw objects at the riot police, with the aim of demonizing the protests.Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray,as well as water cannons that protestors and journalists allege were laced with chemicals or allergens.Georgian rights ombudsmanLevan Ioselianisaid that injuries sustained by protestors give a "credible impression" of punitive violence by police that "constitutes an act of torture".On 2December, theMinister of Internal Affairsstated that 224 protestors were arrested in the preceding days, with charges including petty hooliganism and disobeying lawful police orders, and that 113 police officers had been injured since 28 November.
On 2December, opposition leaderZurab Japaridzewas arrested. He was released a few hours later.As an MP, he has immunity from arrest and prosecution.TheCoalition for Change(CfC), an alliance that includes Japaridze's partyGirchi – More Freedom, viewed Japaridze's detention as having been a "conscious, targeted move" by the authorities.On 4 December another opposition leader,Nika Gvaramia, was arrested.The CfC said that he was "thrown into a detention car as he was physically assaulted and unconscious".
On 8 December, Salome Zourabichvili met with US President-electDonald Trumpand French PresidentEmmanuel Macronin Paris. She shared details of the meeting onX, highlighting an "in-depth discussion" about the rigged election and the "alarming repression" in Georgia. Zourabichvili emphasized the need for a strong US and expressed gratitude for Trump's support, calling him a friend to the Georgian people. Zourabichvili also met withElon Musk, who had been appointed by Trump to lead the newDepartment of Government Efficiency. She described the exchange as excellent and expressed anticipation for Musk's visit to Georgia. During her time in Paris, Zourabichvili also held discussions with Italian Prime MinisterGiorgia Meloniand Ukrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyyabout the ongoing situation in Georgia.
On 13 December, Parliament approved the final reading of a bill prohibiting the wearing of masks and the use of fireworks andlaser pointersduring protests. The new legislation also introduced stricter regulations on fireworks in Georgia, requiring a license for their export, import, and sale.
The protests continued daily during mid and late December. On 18 December these included protests in front of the Parliament building and throughout Tbilisi.On 25 December, the 28th day of successive daily protests, the protests included marches called the "Women's March", the "Western Alumni March", the "Insurance Sector March" and "Unity March". Zourabichvili participated in the Women's March.
On 28 December, thousands of protestors across the country held hands to formhuman chainsin support of EU accession. In Tbilisi,AFPreported a chain multiple kilometers long; the chain later disbanded as protestors moved to parliament.On 29 December Kavelashvili was sworn in as president; Zourabichvili left the presidential palace and gave a speech to thousands of supporters asserting that she remained the "only legitimate president".Protests continued in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi.Protests continued in Tbilisi for their 36th day on 2 January 2025.
On January 12,Mzia Amaglobeli, founder and director of Georgian media outletsBatumelebiandNetgazeti, was arrested during protests in Batumi. Initially detained for placing a protest sticker, she was released after two hours but re-arrested shortly thereafter. Authorities charged her under Article 353 of the Georgian Criminal Code for slapping Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze, an offense carrying a potential prison sentence of four to seven years.
On 13 January,Michael Roth, head of the foreign affairs committee of the GermanBundestagparticipated in the 47th daily protest in Tbilisi and stated that "new elections for a new legitimate government and parliament" were needed. He said that because protestors were defending "European values", he saw Tbilisi as the "true capital of Europe".
On January 14, the Batumi City Court ordered pretrial detention of Mzia Amagloebli, rejecting the defense's proposal for a 100,000₾ bail. Amaglobeli has since been on a 36-dayhunger strike, protesting what she deems an unjust arrest. Her detention has elicited widespread criticism from media organizations and human rights groups, who view it as an attack on press freedom. International bodies, including theOSCEand theCouncil of Europe, have called for her immediate release, expressing concern over her health and the implications for media independence in Georgia.
On 15 January, Georgian citizens held the first ever nationwide strike to demand the release of detained protesters and call for new elections. The strike aimed to register public frustration over disputed elections, the government's anti-European stance, and the ruling Georgian Dream party's alignment with the Russian government. Organizers warned of the risks of political isolation, including economic stagnation and unemployment, while pushing for democratic reforms and renewed EU integration efforts.
On 18 January, two protesters Otar Kvaratskhelia (18) and Rati Tkemaladze (23) were kidnapped by unidentified masked men as they were returning home from a protest near the Rustaveli metro station in Tbilisi, Georgia. The protesters later surfaced at a detention facility and were charged with violating protest regulations and disobeying lawful police orders, even though the persons who apprehended them wore civilian clothing and had no identifying markings.
Protests continued through to the 58th day of protests on 24 January, with protests in Tbilisi, Zugdidi and Batumi, with calls for releasing political prisoners and re-running the parliamentary election. Protests included calls for journalistMzia Amaglobelito be released, an artists' protest with the slogan "Cinema against terror" held near a cinema centre, and a support rally for civil servants who had been dismissed since the protests started.
On 25 January, hackers defaced payment systems installed in public transport buses in Tbilisi to play pro-European songs and slogans. The devices not only broadcast the national anthem of Georgia but also featured impassioned speeches from former prime ministers declaring their unwavering support for European integration. In response,Tbilisi City Halldisabled them and offered the commuters to travel free of charge until the system was restored later the same day.The cyberattack was allegedly carried out byAnonymous.
On 2 February, as the protestors tried to block a highway entrance to Tbilisi, a huge police force was deployed to counter them. Among the individuals detained were politiciansNika MeliaandGigi Ugulava.The Interior Ministry reported 31 arrests during the day.The Public Defender's office announced that 22 out of 25 detained individuals complained about improper treatment and nine people pointed out about excessive force applied against them both during and after the arrest. Four protestors with facial and head injuries were taken from detention facilities to hospitals where they were diagnosed with concussion.
Online social networks, includingFacebook,InstagramandTikTok, played a role in the protestors' coordination of many independentself-organisinggroups acting as aleaderlessstructure carrying outsocial decision-makingfor organizing the protests in a similar way tothose of the Arab Spring. These included a Facebook group "Daitove" with about 250,000 participants. Ilia Glonti, co-founder of Daitove, viewed the protests as illustrating true democracy, "like in Greece", and stated that the absence of microphones and stages in the street protests was a sign ofegalitarianism.
According toAmnesty International, as of 13 December 2024, 300 out of 460 detainees had beentorturedor otherwise ill-treated by the security forces. Eighty detainees had been hospitalised with severe injuries includingfractured bones,concussionsand other head injuries. As of 13 December 2024, the courts had "largely ignored" the evidence of torture andfair trial rights. Amnesty described the police and justice system as "appear[ing] weaponized to intimidate, harass and crackdown on protestors and silence peaceful dissent, reflecting institutionalized repression". Amnesty presented its own 13 case studies of injured protestors and its analysis based on interviews, document analysis and photo and video documentation.
On 18 December, thePublic Defender of Georgiastated that his representatives had visited 327 detainees, among which 225 stated that they had been ill-treated, and 157 had visible signs of physical injuries. Representatives fromTransparency InternationalGeorgia,Georgian European OrbitandRule of Law Centerstated that Georgian Dream had "planned the systemic torture of peaceful demonstrators", with a "system of torture [planned] in advance". They stated that detainees had been "beaten in the face, head, eye sockets, ribs, [and] kidneys" and that the detainees had been robbed of personal belongings by the security forces.
As of 19 December 2024, 70 journalists had been attacked in the protests.Reporters Without Borders(RSF) described the attacks as "systematic, organised violence" by the Georgian police that appeared to be coordinated with "masked, unidentified groups". RSF stated that investigations into the violence announced by theGeorgian Special Investigation Service"offer[ed] little hope for accountability" due to its "chronic ineffectiveness".
On 24 December, following interviews with twelve victims of police violence,Human Rights Watchstated that the police violence was "widespread and apparently punitive" against "largely peaceful protestors". Among the victims were Avtandil Kuchava, who lost consciousness twice from beatings to the head by police officers and had his shoulder fractured by one of them. PoetZviad Ratianiwas dragged through the street, taken into a police car and repeatedly beaten during the dragging and in the car. Journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili, wearning a press vest and helmet, was kicked and beaten by police on 29 November, resulting in concussion and a broken nose.
On 13 January 2025, Georgian Dream MPsIrakli Zarkua,Viktor Sanikidze, andGela Samkharadzeassaulted fellow Georgian citizen Lasha Gabitashvili at a hotel restaurant inAbu Dhabi, with videos depicting the physical altercation quickly spreading on social media. Security camera footage reportedly shows Zarkua initiating the altercation by throwing food at Gabitashvili, escalating into a physical fight with Sanikidze also becoming involved.During the altercation, ruling party MPViktor Sanikidzethreatened Gabitashvili, suggesting that he would exact revenge upon their return toTbilisi.Following his return to Tbilisi, Gabitashvili was attacked by three masked men on the street as he waswalking his dogand he suffered various physical injuries and aconcussion.
On 14 January,Giorgi Gakhariawas hospitalized after a severe beating in Batumi. His party described the incident as a "brutal, coordinated group attack" and held the government responsible for the assault.
Оn 5 February, the public defender expressed his concern regarding an increasing number of protestors subject to improper treatment. As Levan Ioseliani explained in an interview withPalitra TV, compared to early statistics where one third of detainees complained about it, now it reached 70–80%. "While there are many people beaten up, not a single policeman or official was held accountable", he stated.
On 7 February, GD-appointedMikheil Kavelashvilisigned a second legislative package which was described byTransparency Internationalas "dictatorial regulations" aimed at suppressing ongoing protests and instilling fear among the public. The watchdog argued that these amendments violated theUniversal Declaration of Human Rights, theEuropean Convention on Human Rights, andGeorgia's Constitution.
According to these changes,
• The maximum duration of administrative detention was extended from 15 days to 60;
• Public criticism of government officials in public spaces may result in a three-fold increase of fine or imprisonment for up to 60 days;
• Prior notification for all protests, even those triggered by urgent public events, was announced mandatory;
• Rallies in closed spaces without consent from their owners were banned;
• A witness is no longer necessary in cases of body searches;
• Anyone who interacts with a protest or shares information about it could be classified as an organizer and held legally responsible;
• Protest tents or stages can be prohibited etc.
The courts started issuing hefty fines against protestors. Among those individuals who were accused of road blocking and fined 5,000₾ (1,798 USD), was ex-minister for European IntegrationAlex Petriashvili. He, along with formerMPKoba Khabazi, was revoked the right to carry a weapon for three years. On 10 February, the court inKutaisisentenced nine people to the same amount of fine each for a solidarity rally with arrestedMzia Amaglobeliin front of a judge's house. On the same day, anIDPwho was charged with blocking a road, was fined 5,000₾ despite his monthly allowance being more than 100 times less.Ex-MP Levan Gogichaishvili was among six people detained by police that night during a daily rally onRustaveli Avenue.
SingerNino Katamadze, one of the nine people prosecuted for taking part in a protest rally in Kutaisi on 10 February, was fined 5,000₾ again two days later, for once being accused of road blocking.Another singer, aMtavari TVanchorwoman, an associate professor atTSUand fathers of the two arrested protestors were among a group of citizens who likewise were sentenced to fines. They were joined by famous opera singerPaata Burchuladzein quite a bizarre circumstance. AfterTbilisi Opera Houserefused to provide a hall for his 70th anniversary concert, Burchuladze participated in the march to this building from Tbilisi State Concert Hall only to find himself penalized with five-thousand lari for blocking a road in front of Parliament, although he claimed he did not turn up at that place at all.
United States: According to Washington-based journalistAlex Raufoglu, who cited three Congressional sources on December 22, a bipartisan group of leadingU.S. Congressmembers plans to reintroduce theMEGOBARI Actas early as January. FormerGeorgian Ambassador to the U.S.,Batu Kutelia, also stated that the act would be "the first item on the agenda" when the new Congress reconvenes, following his meeting withRepublicanCongresspersonJoe Wilson, the act's author. Originally introduced in May in response to Georgia's foreign agent law, the MEGOBARI Act mandates further sanctions against Georgian officials and allocates funding for Georgian media and civil society. The act has garnered strong bipartisan support in Congress.
On 26 December Wilson wrote onXthat “PresidentDonald Trumphas made it very clear where he stands on the self-professed enemies of America. If Bidzina Ivanishvili goes through with his plan to destroy Georgian democracy on December 29, he should expect a response like he’s never imagined.”He also posted, “Corrupt Bidzina Ivanishvili, a lover ofChina&Iranand hater of America, is trying to transform Georgia from a democracy into a dictatorship. We must put America First and cut all [funding] to Georgia if that happens.”and questioned Ivanishvili's actions, writing, “Why did Georgia’s dictator-in-waiting Bidzina Ivanishvili give a contract to build theAnaklia Deep Sea Portto a sanctioned Chinese company? Are you ready for sanctions, Bidzina?”
Roger Wicker, Chairman of theUnited States Senate Committee on Armed Services, called on theBiden administrationto sanction leaders of the Georgian Dream party and expressed concern that unless urgent action is taken the "Georgian Dream party could actually forcibly remove thedemocratically elected President of Georgiafrom power." He added that "Vladimir Putinwould like to have Georgia back...willing to rig elections to have his agents brutally repress the peaceful protests..."
France: On 11 December,Emmanuel Macronurged the release of protesters "arbitrarily" arrested during a crackdown on demonstrations, in a call withBidzina Ivanishvili. He condemned police violence and intimidation of civil society, calling for respect for freedom of expression and assembly.On 13 December, Macron reaffirmed support for Georgia's EU aspirations, emphasizing the EU's role in peace and respect for sovereignty. He urged Georgia to fulfill its responsibilities as an EU candidate, protect freedoms, and engage in dialogue among political actors and civil society. Macron expressed confidence in Georgians' commitment to their European future despite challenges like propaganda and intimidation.
Poland: On December 24, after a conversation with Salome Zourabichvili,Polish PresidentAndrzej Dudawrote onX: "I spoke with [President Zourabichvili] about the situation in Georgia. I reassured Madam President of my unwavering support for her leadership and the European aspirations of the Georgian people. They have an inalienable right to move towards a united Europe. New elections in accordance with [OSCE/ODIHR] recommendations are the way out of the current crisis."
OSCE: On 20 December 2024, Albania, Austria, Belgium, and thirty-four other states of the OSCE invoked one of the OSCE'sVienna Mechanismprocedures in relation to the reports of human rights violations, including ill-treatment and injuries of detained protestors, interference and violence against journalists, and the impunity of police officers suspected of the violations. The states described their five main concerns as:freedom of peaceful assembly;arbitrary arrest and detention;targeting of political oppositioninpolice raidsand arrests; and "mistreatment that may constitute"torture. The states posed eight specific questions regarding investigations and protections of human rights, to be answered within ten days, per the Vienna Mechanism.
Council of Europe: On 29 January 2025,PACEpassed a resolution with 114 votes in favor and 13 against calling for new parliamentary elections, the release of political prisoners and the revision of controversial laws that fully aligned with the demands of Georgian protesters. In response, the GD officials rejected the resolution outright and announced their withdrawal from the Assembly.
European Union: On 7 February, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security PolicyKaja Kallasand Commissioner for enlargementMarta Kossharply condemned the rushed adoption of amendments to the Code on Administrative Offences, Criminal Code and the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations and called for their suspension untilOSCEpublishes its conclusion as requested by the Public defender.
In a resolution adopted on 13 February, theEuropean Parliamentrefused to recognise the self-proclaimed authorities of the Georgian Dream following the rigged parliamentary elections on 26 October 2024, including the newly appointed PresidentMikheil Kavelashvili, and called on the international community to join the boycott of Georgia’s ruling elite. MEPs continued to recogniseSalome Zourabichvilias Georgia’s legitimate president and urgedEuropean Council PresidentAntónio Costato invite her to represent the country at upcoming meetings of theEuropean Counciland theEuropean Political Community. MEPs called on the Council and EU member states to impose personalsanctionson Georgian officials.
Parliament reiterated that the only way out of Georgia’s crisis was to holdnew parliamentary electionsin the coming months under an improved electoral framework, overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored by international observers. Deeply regretting Georgian Dream’s departure from the path of European integration and NATO membership, MEPs reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations.
European Union: In a resolution adopted on 13 February 2025, theEuropean Parliamentcalled for targeted sanctions against Georgian officials and political leaders accused of undermining democracy, rigging elections, violating human rights, and persecuting political opponents. The resolution specifically names oligarchBidzina Ivanishvili, Prime MinisterIrakli Kobakhidze, and Parliamentary SpeakerShalva Papuashvilias key figures to be sanctioned. It also extends to judges issuing politically motivated rulings and media representatives spreading disinformation.
Ukraine: On 5 December 2024, Ukraine imposed sanctions onBidzina Ivanishviliand 18 of his associates, accusing them of "selling out the interests of Georgia and its people," according toUkrainian PresidentVolodymyr Zelenskyy. He urged Europe, America, and the rest of the world to take similar decisive and principled actions. The sanctioned individuals include Ivanishvili, the oligarch founder of Georgian Dream;Kakha Kaladze,Tbilisi Mayorand Georgian Dream Secretary General;Irakli Kobakhidze, thePrime Minister of Georgia, andIrakli Rukhadze, a businessman who owns the staunchly pro-Georgian Dream Imedi TV station. The Ukrainian sanctions include a comprehensive list of restrictive measures, such as asset freezes, travel and visa bans, and restrictions on economic and business activities and transactions.
United States: On 19 December, theU.S. Department of the Treasury'sOFACsanctionedInterior MinisterVakhtang Gomelauriand Deputy Head of theSpecial Tasks Department,Mirza Kezevadze, under theGlobal Magnitsky Actfor violent crackdowns on protesters, opposition figures, and journalists throughout 2024. This follows September sanctions against two other officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs' Special Task Department. The Treasury referred to the Special Task Department's use of mass beatings, verbal abuse, and threats of sexual violence to suppress dissent, including targeting journalists and abusing detained protesters. The sanctions were coordinated with the UK, which also sanctioned five individuals for human rights violations in Georgia.
Despite international condemnation, Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze announced plans to award sanctioned officials withOrders of Honourfollowing the inauguration of the party's presidential candidate,Mikheil Kavelashvili.The U.S. State Department indicated further sanctions against Georgian officials remain possible.
On 27 December, the US Department of the Treasury announced financial sanctions against Ivanishvili. Ivanishvili was added to theSpecially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons(SDN) List.U.S. Secretary of StateAntony Blinkenaccused Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream of undermining democratic institutions and of "derailing Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future" in favour of Russian interests. He stated, "Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream's actions have eroded democratic institutions, enabled human rights abuses, and curtailed the exercise of fundamental freedoms in Georgia." The sanctions imply the freezing of all assets owned by Ivanishvili within the United States.
United Kingdom: The UK, in coordination with the US, imposed sanctions on five senior Georgian officials for violent attacks on journalists and protesters. These measures, which include travel bans and asset freezes, target Minister of Internal Affairs Vakhtang Gomelauri, Deputy Minister of Internal AffairsAleksandre Darakhvelidze, Tbilisi Police Department DirectorSulkhan Tamazashvili, Chief of the Special Tasks DepartmentZviad Kharazishvili, and Deputy Head of the Special Tasks DepartmentMileri Lagazauri.
Baltic States: On 1 December, in response to the crackdown on pro-EU demonstrators,Estonia,Latvia, andLithuaniaannounced unilateral sanctions, including travel bans, against 11 Georgian officials, including Ivanishvili, and Gomelauri and his deputies.
The following is a list of some of the more notable people sanctioned. As of 30 December 2024, 100 Georgians associated withGDhad been sanctioned for suspected human rights violations or actions weakening democracy.