Popular Front Police in Georgia are Using Chemical Weapons on Protestors
Dec 18, 2025
Mariam Rigvava, a journalist and activist from Georgia, delves into the alarming escalation of anti-government protests and the shocking use of chemical weapons by police. She discusses the six-month timeline of unrest, government repression tactics, and the alarming new laws that stifle civil protests. Rigvava highlights the chaotic atmosphere on the streets, the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the grassroots efforts to resist authoritarianism. The profound health effects of chemical agents on protesters and the fierce determination of activists mark a pivotal moment in Georgia's fight for civil rights.
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Leaderless, Self-Organized Movement
- The protest movement became leaderless because many opposition figures and civic leaders are jailed.
- Activists rotate front-line roles to absorb fines and arrests, keeping protests decentralized and adaptive.
Ukraine War Clarified Government Allegiances
- Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine shifted Georgian public opinion against their government.
- Officials' silence and refusal to sanction Russia revealed pro‑Russian alignment to many Georgians.
Brutal Treatment Of Arrested Activists
- Police brutality peaked: arrested activists were stripped, beaten and denied legal rights.
- Frontline protesters returned to demonstrations with broken bones and lasting injuries.