Prepared by Messenger Staff
8 Arrested During Protests in Batumi
The head of the Adjara police, Irakli Dgebuadze, confirmed that eight individuals were arrested during protests in Batumi on January 12. Speaking with TV Pirveli, Dgebuadze stated that the arrests were made under the Code of Administrative Offenses, citing Articles 166 and 173, which cover minor hooliganism and disobedience to lawful police orders, respectively.
Among those detained are Luka Natsvlishvili, Elizbar Chkhikvadze, Elene Khoshtaria, Giorgi Kirtadze, Shushana Matsaberidze, Tornike Kakaladze, as well as Batumelebi cameraman Giorgi MurvanidzeAccording to Droa, Shushana Matsaberidze was transferred to Poti along with other activists, while the whereabouts of Elene Khoshtaria remain unclear. Giorgi Kirtadze is reportedly being held at the Batumi Division.
The protests mark the second consecutive day of detentions in Batumi. On January 11, police arrested 12 individuals, including Mzia Amaglobeli, founder and director of Batumelebi and Netgazeti. Amaglobeli is accused of assaulting police officers.
Protests Erupt Outside Judges' Event in Tbilisi
Tensions escalated outside the Babilo restaurant in Tbilisi on January 12, where judges gathered for a corporate event amidst public outrage. Protesters, including family members of individuals detained during pro-European demonstrations, confronted the judges as they began arriving around 3 PM.
The protests were triggered by judicial decisions on January 10 and 11, which resulted in 19 protestors being placed in custody. These rulings sparked widespread criticism of the judiciary, which has been accused of being influenced by the ruling Georgian Dream party.Among the attendees was Levan Murusidze, a US-sanctioned member of the High Council of Justice.
Police, including representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Special Tasks Department, were heavily deployed at the scene. A water cannon was stationed nearby, and as judges began leaving the event in the evening, several demonstrators were arrested. However, the exact number and charges remain undisclosed as of now.
Protesters carried banners reading, "A corrupt judiciary undermines democracy and violates human rights," and chanted slogans such as "Judges everywhere, justice nowhere." Some judges entered the venue through the back door to avoid confrontation, while others faced verbal abuse and were pelted with eggs.
