Over 40 Georgians have been jailed on criminal charges stemming from anti-government protests that have roiled the South Caucasus nation for weeks.

Summary

Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has cracked down on protests following a contested election, jailing over 40 people, including journalists and activists.

Independent journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, arrested during demonstrations, is on a life-threatening hunger strike. Detainees report police abuse, and critics liken the repression to Russian tactics.

The government is introducing harsher penalties for protesters, sparking international condemnation.

The crackdown follows Georgia’s stalled EU accession talks, with opponents warning it is pushing the country closer to Russia’s influence, undermining democracy and civil liberties.