Georgian pro-EU marchers shift Tbilisi route as arrests continue

Pro-European demonstrators in Georgia have altered the route of their weekly rally in Tbilisi, as daily anti-government protests mark more than 600 consecutive days.

Marchers gathered near the Avlabari metro station on Saturday to head towards the government administration building, after ongoing renovation work blocked their traditional route along Rustaveli Avenue.

Demonstrators waved Georgian, European Union (EU) and Ukrainian flags, repeating calls for fresh parliamentary elections, a return to EU integration talks, and the release of detained activists.

The altered march comes amid renewed scrutiny over the government's crackdown on public figures and journalists supporting the movement.

Earlier this week, Vakho Sanaia, a journalist with the independent news channel Formula TV, was sentenced to 14 days in administrative custody following remarks directed at the speaker of parliament.

A Tbilisi court also ordered the 25-day arrest of doctor Giorgi Akhobadze, who was charged with insulting police officers. In a separate incident, comedian and rally participant Onise Okriashvili was reportedly assaulted outside his home.

Participants in Saturday's march expressed solidarity with Mr Sanaia, Dr Akhobadze, and hundreds of others detained during the long-running political crisis.

Daily demonstrations have swept the South Caucasus nation since 28 November 2024, when the government announced a freeze on talks to join the EU.

Human rights organisations estimate that thousands of people have faced administrative or criminal prosecution since the movement began, with security forces repeatedly deploying water cannon and tear gas.

A smaller parallel rally was also held in the capital by Iranian nationals protesting against the planned deportation of Iman Asgari.

Family members said the Iranian embassy in Tbilisi refused to renew Mr Asgari's passport due to his participation in local pro-democracy demonstrations, leading to his arrest after his Georgian residence permit expired.