TBILISI, Georgia — Saba Buadze, a prominent figure in Georgia’s Strong Georgia coalition, reported a violent altercation involving himself and another party member near their headquarters in Tbilisi, sparking concerns about political safety. Buadze detailed the assault in a widely circulated social media video and described the events further during an interview.
According to Buadze, he and Ramaz Mandaria, who leads the coalition’s Saburtalo branch, were leaving a party meeting on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue when they encountered two aggressive individuals. The altercation quickly escalated from verbal insults directly targeted at Buadze to physical violence, including the use of stones and a knife.
During the incident, Mandaria sustained facial injuries after being struck with a bag and then a stone. Buadze noted that one of the attackers wielded a knife, threatening him by name, a moment captured in the video that accompanied Buadze’s recount of the event.
Buadze criticized the response of the local police, accusing them of ineffective handling and potential bias. “The attackers are clearly identifiable in the video evidence provided, yet the police seemed to show little urgency, spending more time conversing with the attackers rather than responding appropriately,” Buadze expressed.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs responded to the allegations, stating that an investigation has been initiated under Article 126 of the Criminal Code relating to violence. This probe aims to clarify the circumstances and ensure accountability.
Political analysts suggest that such incidents reflect underlying tensions within Georgia’s political landscape. Violence or threats against political figures have a chilling effect on democratic engagement and debate, raising alarms about the safety of those involved in the nation’s politics.
Buadze’s accusations of police collusion with government interests further complicate the scenario, painting a picture of systemic issues within the country’s law enforcement practices. “It wouldn’t come as a surprise if the narrative gets twisted, portraying us as the aggressors,” Buadze remarked, indicating his diminishing faith in obtaining justice.
This event has generated a robust debate on social media, with citizens expressing concern over political violence and the apparent partiality of law enforcement. Calls for a transparent investigation are growing louder, both within political circles and among the general public.
As the investigation progresses, many in Georgia are waiting anxiously to see whether this incident will be an impetus for reform in political safety measures and police practices, or whether it will be another example of unresolved political violence. The outcomes could have significant implications for the nation’s political climate and its democratic processes.