Prepared by Messenger Staff
Opposition Leader Giorgi Vashadze Attacked During Protest Rally in Tbilisi
Giorgi Vashadze, a prominent leader of the opposition party Unity - National Movement, has reported being attacked during a protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
According to Vashadze, the attacker was holding an object with iron spikes, which he used to strike the back of Vashadze's jacket before attempting to injure his throat. The person, yet to be identified, fled the scene, dropping the weapon as he ran away. Vashadze sustained a minor injury from the attack.
"I was standing, talking, and he attacked me. First, he hit me in the back, then he tried to strike me in the throat. I have a slight injury. It's unbelievable, I couldn't understand what he wanted. He wanted to kill me when a person hits you in the throat with such a weapon," Vashadze told Formula TV.
The opposition leader expressed his disbelief at the attack, emphasizing that the actions of the attacker were intended to cause serious harm. Vashadze also made a defiant statement, addressing Georgia's ruling figures: "I tell [Bidzina] Ivanishvili that they won't succeed, the people will definitely win."
Czechia Condemns Violence Against Georgian Protesters, Allocates Euro 230,000 in Emergency Support
Czechia has strongly condemned the recent violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia, reaffirming its solidarity with the Georgian people's pursuit of democracy and human rights. In a statement today, the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its concern over the escalating repression in Georgia, which has seen violent crackdowns on demonstrations and civil rights abuses.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Czechia has committed Euro 230,000 in emergency funding to support Georgian civil society and independent media organizations. The funding aims to bolster efforts to uphold democratic values and ensure the free flow of information in the face of increasing government suppression.
"We deplore the recent violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia, and we stand firmly with the Georgian people in their aspirations for democracy," said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. "This funding will support civil society and independent media, which play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability during these challenging times."
