Georgian President: foreign intelligence-organised groups urged citizens to overthrow Gov’t - there will be strict response

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Sunday condemned a violent rally aimed at overthrowing the Government, accusing forces directed by foreign special services of inciting vandalism and chaos, and vowed a strict response to ensure accountability.

In his remarks, Kavelashvili addressed the violent protests that coincided with the local self-government elections, describing them as an attempt to destabilise the Government orchestrated by foreign special services.

“Unfortunately, parallel to [the elections], a rally was taking place aimed at overthrowing the Government. Our society witnessed acts of vandalism and calls to action. Despite the high standards of Georgian citizens, there are still forces in Georgia operating under the instructions of foreign special services. The public observed how they behaved here, where we are standing”, Kavelashvili said.

The President highlighted acts of vandalism, including damage to a landmark fence near the Presidential Administration, and promised that those responsible would face severe consequences for their actions against Georgia’s stability.

“They smashed and destroyed the surrounding fence of the city’s landmarks, where I have to walk almost daily. Countless people, including tourists, enjoy this beauty, and all of it was destroyed yesterday. Such a violent act near the Presidential Administration should not be forgiven. I repeat once again that forces organised by foreign special services were calling on Georgian citizens yesterday to overthrow the Government. This will not go unpunished, and there will be a strict response”, he concluded.

Radical opposition supporters on Saturday stormed the courtyard of the Georgian presidential palace.

The protesters damaged the barriers and managed to enter the courtyard, but the riot police managed to remove the demonstrators from the scene.