Ruling party official slams European silence over October 4 coup attempt

Levan Machavariani, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Friday criticised European colleagues for their silence regarding the October 4 attempted coup.

In his remarks, Machavariani noted that the silence was unsurprising, as European officials themselves had encouraged the October 4 coup attempt.

“If I said their silence is surprising, I would be lying, because they themselves encouraged the October 4 coup attempt. At that time, a spokesperson for the European Commission publicly supported and expressed solidarity with the demonstration. Given this, they bear greater responsibility to somehow distance themselves and condemn these actions - yet they remain silent”, Machavariani said.

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”.