Parliament Speaker urges Brussels to denounce violent storming of Georgian President’s Palace, warns against “supporting extremism” through silence

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday once again addressed the violent incidents of October 4, calling on Brussels to distance itself from the actions of certain domestic groups.

“Until Brussels condemns and distances itself from the violent storming of the Georgian President’s Palace by groups it supports, it will remain a supporter of extremism”, Papuashvili said in a social media message.

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”.