Prepared by Messenger Staff
Protesters Rally Across Tbilisi, Set Up 24-Hour Camp Near University
On Sunday, November 17, the "Reclaim Your Vote" rally, organized by the local observer mission My Vote and opposition coalitions, culminated in front of the Parliament building. Simultaneously, the Coalition for Change, a political force that passed the 5% election threshold, set up tents near Tbilisi State University, announcing plans to remain there for 24 hours.
The protests began around 18:00 local time with multiple marches converging on Rustaveli Avenue. One group, led by the Coalition for Change, departed from Vake Park; another, organized by the Strong Georgia coalition, started at Marjanishvili metro; and a student-led march began from Chavchavadze Avenue. All marches headed toward the Parliament building, where Rustaveli Avenue was blocked once again.
Observers of the October 26 parliamentary elections spoke to the crowd on Rustaveli Avenue, sharing firsthand accounts of alleged electoral fraud.
As the Coalition for Change march approached Tbilisi State University, halfway between Vake Park and the Parliament building, leaders announced their decision to pause on Chavchavadze Avenue, which was already blocked to traffic. They began setting up tents near the university, committing to a peaceful 24-hour protest.
The atmosphere remained calm, with police refraining from intervening as tents were erected. Later in the evening, protesters from Rustaveli Avenue joined the university camp. Opposition leaders periodically addressed the growing crowd, reiterating their commitment to peaceful demonstrations throughout the night.
Two Convicted of Attacking Journalists on July 5 Released Early
Two men convicted of assaulting journalists during the violent July 5 homophobic attacks of 2021 in Tbilisi have been released early from prison. Davit Kutaladze and Tornike Davlasheridze, who were sentenced in 2022 for their roles in the attacks, were reportedly freed under amnesty.
The violence targeted media workers, including the late TV Pirveli cameraman Lekso Lashkarava, who died shortly after the attacks, as well as other journalists and cameramen. Initially sentenced to five years, the Tbilisi Court of Appeal reduced their sentences to four years and overturned charges of group violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The decision sparked outrage among civil society groups. The Media Advocacy Coalition described the ruling as "alarming," warning it threatens media freedom. The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association criticized the lack of accountability, stating that it emboldens hate groups and weakens protections for journalists.
