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Georgian Protesters Follow Iran Unrest as Demonstrations Continue at Home
Protests in Georgia enter second year
Protesters in Georgia are closely watching events in Iran as their own demonstrations continue across the country.
For more than a year, Georgians have held protests after disputed parliamentary elections in 2024. The unrest grew after the Georgian Dream party paused efforts to join the European Union. Many citizens strongly oppose that decision.
Despite cold weather and police pressure, people still gather daily in the capital, Tbilisi.
Iran protests inspire Georgian demonstrators
Many protesters say the unrest in Iran has renewed their determination.
Former defence minister Tinatin Khidasheli said Iran’s protests dominate conversations during demonstrations. She explained that if people can challenge a harsh system in Iran, Georgians feel their struggle also matters.
According to her, the situation has created fresh optimism on the streets.
Elections and EU setback fuel anger
Protests began after Georgian Dream claimed victory in the October 2024 elections. Soon after, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stopped Georgia’s path toward EU membership.
Polls show most Georgians support joining the European Union. As a result, the decision triggered mass anger.
Rustaveli Avenue remains the center of protests. Demonstrators chant slogans, block traffic, and wave Georgian and EU flags.
Solidarity with Iran grows in Tbilisi
Erekle Koplatadze, a regular protester, said support for Iran has grown since protests there intensified.
He said Iranian Lion and Sun flags now appear outside parliament. Some protesters have also gathered outside Iran’s embassy in Tbilisi.
Koplatadze added that he has not seen such strong support for a foreign protest movement since the war in Ukraine.
Concerns over government alliances
Activists accuse the Georgian government of moving closer to Iran and Russia. They say this shift threatens Georgia’s democratic future.
Ana Riaboshenko, a democracy advocate, said political change in Iran could affect the entire region. She believes a weaker Russia-Iran alliance would reshape regional power.
A 2025 report by Civic IDEA claimed many Iranian companies operate in Georgia. The group said some may help bypass international sanctions.
Warnings about rising authoritarianism
Opposition figures say Iran serves as both inspiration and warning.
Marika Mikiashvili of the Droa party said many Georgians fear what happens when authoritarian rule goes unchecked.
Human rights groups report arrests, fines, and police abuse since the protests began. Transparency International Georgia said hundreds of protesters and journalists have faced detention or harassment.
The government has not publicly supported Iranian protesters or condemned reported violence against them.
As protests continue in both countries, many Georgians say Iran’s struggle strengthens their resolve to keep demanding democratic change.
