Government overthrow attempt: Georgian Interior Ministry detains 12 more individuals

Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, the Georgian Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, on Wednesday announced the detention of 12 additional individuals linked to the violent events in Tbilisi on October 4, bringing the total number of arrests to 35, including rally organisers and participants who attempted to storm the President’s Palace.

In his remarks, Darakhvelidze revealed that intensive operational and investigative efforts led to the latest arrests, with evidence showing the detainees' involvement in demolishing the President’s Palace fence and trying to breach the building, as law enforcement continues to pursue other suspects.

“The investigation continues actively regarding the criminal events that took place in Tbilisi on October 4. As a result of intensive operational search and investigative actions conducted within the framework of the investigation, law enforcement officers detained 12 more individuals. Evidence obtained during the investigation establishes that the detained individuals, together with the rally organisers, demolished the fence of the President’s Palace on Atoneli Street on October 4 and attempted to storm the palace”, Darakhvelidze said.

He further noted that overall 35 people, encompassing both leaders and active participants in the unlawful violence, had been apprehended, with further investigative actions underway to identify and prosecute additional offenders under relevant Criminal Code articles.

“Within the framework of the ongoing investigation, a total of 35 individuals have been detained so far, including both the organisers of the rally and participants who carried out illegal and violent actions. Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs continue to conduct relevant investigative actions to identify other perpetrators of the crime and bring them to criminal responsibility”, he concluded.

On October 4, large-scale protests in Tbilisi escalated into a dramatic confrontation, as a group of radical demonstrators tried to storm the presidential palace. The unrest occurred on the same day Georgia held municipal elections.

Authorities detained at least five opposition figures, including Paata Burchuladze. They are now facing charges of plotting to overthrow the government - a potential offense that could carry lengthy prison sentences.

Government officials described the events as a failed coup attempt orchestrated with foreign backing. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the protests “an attempted overthrow of the constitutional order”.