America News Agency

During protests demanding the dissolution of the government and the calling of elections, two opposition figures in Georgia were arrested.

Thousands of people gathered in a shopping mall, and protesters blocked traffic on a highway outside the city. According to Georgian media reports, at least 20 people were arrested, and one was injured. The Georgian police were accused of using violence against protesters in the city.

According to Georgian media, in addition to the leader of the main opposition party, Nika Melia, the former mayor of Tbilisi, Giorgi Ugulava, was also arrested. Melia told reporters that while he was handcuffed at the police station, an officer kicked him.

The European Union's foreign policy chief strongly condemned the arrests, stating that the EU stands with the people of Georgia in their struggle for freedom and democracy.

The government has recently faced significant criticism. It has been accused of being pro-Russian and undermining democracy in the country. Discontent grew at the end of last year when the prime minister announced that he would not continue negotiations on Georgia's accession to the European Union in the coming years.