Georgia detains 13 after unrest near presidential palace in Tbilisi

Georgian law enforcement agencies have detained 13 participants in the Oct. 4 unrest in Tbilisi, when protesters attempted to storm the presidential palace, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said at a briefing.

He said 15 suspects had been identified, of whom 13 were arrested by court order.

According to the health ministry, six protesters and 21 police officers were injured, one of them in serious condition. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said all participants in the unrest were part of “a group attempting to overthrow the government,” claiming the attack was orchestrated by foreign intelligence services and accusing the EU ambassador of involvement.

Municipal elections were held across 64 municipalities, including Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi, Poti and Rustavi, on Oct. 4. Vote counting is still under way, and Kobakhidze said the ruling Georgian Dream party had secured more than 70% of the vote nationwide.