Former Prime Minister of Georgia, Nika Gilauri, has raised concerns about the recent parliamentary elections in the country, alleging that they were rigged and resulted in an illegitimate parliament. Gilauri pointed to Russian interference in Georgia's political affairs, suggesting a pattern of meddling in neighboring countries by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following the victory of the pro-Russia Georgian Dream party in the elections, thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets in protest, accusing the government of aligning with Russian interests and abandoning efforts to join the European Union. The protests have been met with a harsh crackdown by authorities, leading to hundreds of detentions and reports of severe mistreatment.
