Georgian Parliament Speaker Accuses Foreign Actors of Stirring Unrest

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has accused foreign supporters of radical groups in Georgia of orchestrating unrest during the country’s municipal elections.

Speaking on recent events, Papuashvili claimed that these external actors were responsible for encouraging the attempted storming of the presidential palace in Tbilisi, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

"Notably, up until now, none of the radicals’ foreign patrons have condemned the terrorist attack on the presidential palace. Now, just condemning it is not enough. They must take responsibility, because political intrigues orchestrated from the outside pushed Georgian radicals to the point of a state coup," Papuashvili wrote on Facebook.

On October 4, the day of the municipal elections, an opposition demonstration took place in Tbilisi. The organizers, who announced plans to oust the government, called from the stage to "take the keys to the presidential palace," after which some protesters moved toward the residence. The crowd tore down the fence, but riot police dispersed them using water cannons and tear gas.

In the early hours of October 5, police detained five organizers of the rally, including former Prosecutor General Murtaz Zodelava and opera singer Paata Burchuladze for calls to overthrow the government and organizing mass violence. They could face up to nine years behind bars if found guilty.