According to the Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA), physical retaliation and the incitement of violence against citizens by members of the "Georgian Dream" party have become part of the political landscape.

In a statement, GYLA calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to conduct a proper investigation with the correct qualification regarding the attacks on Giorgi Gakharia and journalist Zviad Qoridze, and urges the Prosecutor's Office to carry out effective procedural supervision and criminal prosecution of those responsible.

"According to publicly available sources, on January 15, 2025, in Batumi, at the 'Sheraton' hotel, members of the 'Georgian Dream' party (Dimitri Samkharaidze and Giorgi Manvelidze) attacked in a group, physically and verbally assaulting Giorgi Gakharia, the leader of the 'Gakharia for Georgia' party, and Zviad Qoridze, a journalist and employee of the non-governmental organization 'Transparency International Georgia.'

Physical retaliation and the incitement of violence against citizens by members of the 'Georgian Dream' party have become part of the political landscape. The ineffective response of the investigative bodies and the practical neglect of crimes committed against demonstrators, journalists, and political party representatives exacerbate the criminal situation in the country.

Nevertheless, we continue to urge: the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia to conduct a proper and effective investigation with the correct qualification. The Prosecutor's Office of Georgia: to carry out effective procedural supervision and criminal prosecution of those responsible for the crime," the statement reads.

For reference, Giorgi Gakharia, the leader of "Gakharia for Georgia," was attacked in Batumi. The assault on the opposition politician occurred last night at the "Sheraton" hotel. Gakharia was transferred to a clinic but later left the hospital. According to doctors, Giorgi Gakharia has a broken nose and a concussion.

In addition to the attack on Gakharia, there was also an altercation at the same hotel with Zviad Qoridze, a representative of the non-governmental sector. According to Qoridze, he was confronted by Dimitri Samkharaidze and his associates from the "Georgian Dream" party.