Irakli Kobakhidze accused EU ambassador of supporting ‘attempt to overthrow constitutional order’
Georgia’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, has announced a sweeping crackdown on dissent, accusing demonstrators who tried to storm the presidential palace of aiming to topple his government and blaming the European Union for interference in his country.
Kobakhidze levelled his allegations a day after protesters attempted to breach the presidential palace as local elections were being held. They were stopped by riot police using pepper spray and water cannon.
“No one will escape responsibility. This includes political responsibility,” the Georgian news agency Interpress quoted the prime minister as saying.
Officers detained at least five demonstrators, including two members of the United National Movement, the largest opposition party, and the opera singer turned activist Paata Burchuladze.
