Giorgi Gakharia, Georgia’s former prime minister and current opposition leader, was hospitalized after a violent assault in a hotel lobby in Batumi, a coastal city on the Black Sea. The attack occurred late Tuesday and was confirmed by Ana Buchukuri, the spokeswoman for Gakharia’s political party, For Georgia.

“He was brutally beaten but survived,” Buchukuri stated, noting that Gakharia sustained injuries to his face and head after being attacked by multiple assailants.

On Wednesday, Gakharia reassured supporters on Facebook that his health was stable. However, For Georgia strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “brutal, coordinated group attack” and placing responsibility on the government. The party labeled the attack as politically motivated, claiming it was an attempt to intimidate opposition voices and suppress dissent.

The assault comes against a backdrop of rising political tensions in Georgia. Allegations that the ruling Georgian Dream party rigged the October parliamentary elections have sparked widespread protests, which have been met with heavy-handed responses from the police.

International reactions have been critical of the escalating violence. Both the British and U.S. embassies expressed deep concern, condemning the attacks on opposition figures, journalists, and protesters as “deeply disturbing.”

The incident highlights the fragile state of Georgian politics, with growing concerns about democratic principles, freedom of expression, and the safety of political opponents in the face of government criticism.

BY

SAHARA REPORTERS