Georgian opposition politician Dimitri Chikovani was brutally attacked by a group of hooded thugs outside his home, leaving him with a concussion, a broken nose, cuts to the face, and two black eyes. In an interview with Sky News, Chikovani pointed fingers at the Georgian authorities, accusing them of orchestrating the attack to suppress ongoing protests in Tbilisi.
Chikovani described the attackers as “Putin’s puppets” who operate under KGB guidelines and make decisions in favor of Russia. CCTV footage of the incident shows Chikovani being ambushed by five athletic men who punched and kicked him repeatedly.
This attack on Chikovani is not an isolated incident, as two other government opponents were also assaulted on the same day. The victims, including an international relations expert and a protest organizer, were also hospitalized after the violent attacks.
Despite the intimidation, Chikovani remains resolute and plans to participate in upcoming protests against the controversial “Foreign Agents Bill” that has sparked outrage across Georgia. The UK and US have called on the Georgian government to protect the rights of protesters and prevent further intimidation.
Many Georgians view Bidzina Ivanishvili, the chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, as a key figure behind the political crackdown. Ivanishvili has defended the “foreign agents” bill as a measure to safeguard Georgian sovereignty against Western interference.
Chikovani believes that Ivanishvili is driving the oppressive tactics in Georgia and warns that anything can be expected from the billionaire oligarch. The situation in Georgia remains tense as the battle for the country’s future and identity continues to unfold.