Ruling Georgian Dream party expresses concern over Western silence on coup attempt in Georgia

Giorgi Grdzelishvili, the Head of the Communications Department of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Friday said that Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed the ruling team’s concern over the fact that the attempted overthrow of the government organised by the radical opposition had not been condemned by any European country or the new US administration.

In his remarks, Grdzelishvili noted that instead of condemnation, statements made by the European People’s Party and the Spokesperson for the European Union reflected “another manifestation of political insolence”.

“Following the radicals’ unconstitutional actions, not only was there no condemnation, but we witnessed yet another example of political insolence - the European People’s Party declared the Georgian Dream violent over the events of October 4, while the EU Spokesperson accused the ruling team of spreading Russian propaganda”, he said.

The ruling party’s Spokesperson further added that, in parallel with these political developments, convicted journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli - sentenced to two years in prison for committing an act of violence against a police officer - had been announced as the recipient of the World Press Freedom Hero Award, established by the International Press Institute and International Media Support.

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”.