Georgian police have arrested Zurab Japaridze, a prominent opposition leader, amid escalating anti-government protests in Tbilisi. The demonstrations, which have persisted for four consecutive nights, erupted after the government announced last week its decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union, a move critics claim signals a Russian-aligned shift away from pro-Western policies. The ruling Georgian Dream party denies these allegations.

Footage shared online showed Japaridze, a leader of the Coalition for Change, being placed in an unmarked vehicle by masked officers early Monday. It remains unclear if he will face charges. In a statement on X, the opposition coalition condemned the arrest and described it as an attack on democracy.

The protests have drawn sharp international criticism, with the US and EU expressing alarm over what they perceive as Georgia’s democratic backsliding. Dmitry Medvedev, a former Russian president, warned on Sunday that Georgia was “moving rapidly along the Ukrainian path, into the dark abyss,” adding that such situations often end badly. Moscow denies interfering in its neighbour’s affairs.

On Sunday night, protesters gathered again on Rustaveli Avenue, clashing with police who responded with water cannons and tear gas after demonstrators launched fireworks. One protester, Nikoloz Miruashvili, said, “I’m here for a very simple reason: to defend my European future and the democracy of my country.”

The Georgian interior ministry reported that 21 officers were injured during the night, adding to the 113 injured since the protests began. Dozens of protesters have also sustained injuries, with Georgia’s president, Salome Zourabichvili, stating many suffered head and face wounds from police beatings. Zourabichvili, a pro-EU figure, has supported the demonstrators, declaring, “This is the revolt of an entire country.”

The unrest follows months of mounting tension, with the ruling party passing laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights and targeting “foreign agents.” Georgian Dream defends its actions as efforts to protect national sovereignty and avoid being drawn into conflict with Russia.

Zourabichvili, whose role is largely ceremonial, has called for the constitutional court to annul recent parliamentary elections, alleging fraud. She has also stated she will not vacate her post when her term ends this month, rejecting the legitimacy of the current parliament.

Amid the turmoil, hundreds of civil servants and diplomats have signed open letters opposing the suspension of EU accession talks. At least four ambassadors have resigned in protest, and Georgian martial arts fighter Ilia Topuria posted on Instagram, “I am opposed to the decision to terminate our accession negotiations to the European Union. I am ashamed to see how the children of Georgia are treated. This is not called freedom.”

The election commission, however, maintains that the recent polls were fair, while Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused Zourabichvili of emotional overreaction to the opposition’s defeat, insisting she must leave office at the end of her term.

The crisis highlights deepening divisions in Georgia, as citizens protest for their European future amid concerns over growing authoritarianism and potential Russian influence.