Georgia's prime minister announces crackdown on dissent after Tbilisi protests

"Georgia's prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, has announced a sweeping crackdown on dissent, accusing demonstrators who tried to storm the presidential palace of aiming to topple his government and blaming the European Union for interference in his country. Kobakhidze levelled his allegations a day after protesters attempted to breach the presidential palace as local elections were being held. They were stopped by riot police using pepper spray and water cannon. No one will escape responsibility. This includes political responsibility."

"Officers detained at least five demonstrators, including two members of the United National Movement, the largest opposition party, and the opera singer turned activist Paata Burchuladze. Paata Burchuladze (left, in dark jacket), an opera singer and one of the rally's organisers, marched with opposition supporters in Tbilisi and was detained by police. Photograph: Zurab Tsertsvadze/AP Local media cited the health ministry as saying 21 members of the security forces and six demonstrators had been injured in clashes in the centre of Tbilisi."

"Kobakhidze said up to 7,000 people attended Saturday's opposition rally but their attempt to overthrow the constitutional order had been thwarted despite what he said was EU backing. Several people have already been arrested first and foremost the organisers of the attempted overthrow, he told reporters, saying the country's main opposition force will no longer be allowed to be active in Georgian politics."

Irakli Kobakhidze announced a sweeping crackdown after protesters attempted to breach the presidential palace during local elections. Riot police used pepper spray and water cannon to stop the crowd. Officers detained at least five demonstrators, including two United National Movement members and opera singer-activist Paata Burchuladze. Local health authorities reported 21 security personnel and six demonstrators injured in centre-of-Tbilisi clashes. Kobakhidze accused the protesters of aiming to overthrow the constitutional order and alleged EU backing for the attempt. He said up to 7,000 people attended the rally and warned that the main opposition force will no longer be allowed to be active in Georgian politics.

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