Georgian PM holds coup rally participants morally responsible, vows legal actions

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday declared that between 5,000 and 7,000 people “consciously” participated in what he called a coup rally on October 4, emphasising that both moral and legal responsibility must be borne by those involved in the violent events.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze asserted that those who attended the rally were fully aware of its declared intent to overthrow the Government, and were morally accountable for the ensuing chaos.

“Everyone knows the announcement that was made. It was declared as a coup rally. Approximately 5-7 thousand people attended the coup rally consciously. Of course, the moral responsibility for everything that happened on October 4 lies with every single person who was there”, the PM said.

He noted that legal actions were underway against individuals identified for violent acts, underscoring the state’s duty to address the crimes observed during the event, despite taking no pleasure in enforcing such measures.

“As for legal responsibility, those involved in violence - you know that legal measures are being applied against them. A certain number of individuals have been identified, and legal measures will be enforced against them. Of course, this does not please us, but everyone witnessed the crime committed, and the state’s response is simply our responsibility”, the Prime Minister 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”.

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.