Georgian Leader Warns Pro-West Protesters Of Further Arrests As Tbilisi Remains Tense

"TBILISI -- Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze threatened anti-government activists with further arrests as tensions remained high in the Caucasus nation following a weekend of mass protests in the capital, Tbilisi. "Several people have already been arrested. First and foremost, the organizers of the attempted overthrow," Kobakhidze told reporters on October 5 as crowds gathered again for a potential night of fresh pro-Europe protests. "No one will go unpunished...Many more must expect sentences for the violence they carried out against the state and law-enforcement," he added."

"The Interior Ministry said in a statement that "we will take appropriate measures to ensure that public order and safety are not endangered." At least five organizers of the Tbilisi street protests on October 4 were detained by authorities, including activists Paata Burchuladze and Murtaz Zodelava. Before his detention, Burchuladze -- a famed, 70-year-old opera star -- urged Interior Ministry employees to heed the call of the people and arrest leaders of the ruling Georgian Dream party."

"Late on October 5, the Georgian State Security Service (SSS) claimed it had discovered a large supply of guns, ammunition, and explosives in a hideout outside the capital. The SSS alleged the arms were intended to be used for "subversive acts" on October 4, the day of local elections that were assailed by international groups as being held under an atmosphere of intimidation and suppression. Much of the opposition boycotted the vote, in which Georgian Dream claimed to have won control in every municipality that was contested."

Authorities threatened further arrests of anti-government activists and detained at least five organizers after mass pro-Europe protests in Tbilisi. Detained activists included a famed 70-year-old opera star who urged Interior Ministry employees to arrest leaders of the ruling party prior to his detention. The Interior Ministry announced measures to protect public order and safety as crowds gathered again. A state security service reported finding a large cache of guns, ammunition, and explosives outside the capital, alleging intent to use them for subversive acts on election day. Opposition parties largely boycotted local elections amid accusations of intimidation and suppression.

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