Georgian Government overthrow attempt: eight more individuals detained - total number of detainees rises to 44

Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, the Georgian Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, on Thursday announced that eight more individuals were detained in connection with the events that took place in Tbilisi on October 4.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a total of 44 individuals have now been arrested, while four others remain at large.

“Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia continue to identify and bring to justice those individuals who carried out unlawful and violent actions in Tbilisi on October 4 of this year”, Darakhvelidze said.

As part of the ongoing investigation, comprehensive operational and investigative measures led to the detention of eight additional individuals, meanwhile, four suspects are currently evading arrest.

The Ministry reported that despite multiple public calls from the Ministry of Internal Affairs urging protest participants to remain peaceful and act within the bounds of the law, the accused engaged in illegal and violent actions on Atoneli Street, where the Presidential Palace is located.

“Video surveillance footage and media recordings show that several of the accused verbally and physically assaulted law enforcement officers and threw various heavy objects and stones at them. The suspects also attempted to break into the Presidential Palace, damaging parts of the palace’s fence in the process”, the Georgian Deputy Minister noted.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues investigative actions aimed at identifying and prosecuting other individuals involved in the incident.

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”.