**Miners Face Charges Amid Tensions in Georgia’s Chiatura**
In the western Georgian town of Chiatura, a labor dispute has been simmering for months. The mining industry, which has long been the lifeblood of the community, is at the center of the crisis. As tensions escalate, four individuals have been arrested on charges related to the assault of Tengiz Koberidze, the director of the Shukruti mine.
The arrests have sparked further protests in Chiatura, where miners are demanding direct intervention from the government to resolve the crisis. The protesters claim that they lack crucial information regarding post-reorganization working conditions, including staffing plans and hiring procedures. This has led to a breakdown in trust between management and workers.
**Background of the Crisis**
The current crisis began in November 2024 when Georgian Manganese initially suspended operations. At the time, the company promised to resolve financial issues within four months and to pay miners 60% of their salaries during the shutdown. However, protesters claim these commitments were not fulfilled.
In February, the Georgian Manganese announced the complete shutdown of the mining operations, which has left around 3,500 workers facing layoffs. This has had a devastating impact on the community, with many residents relying heavily on the mining industry for decades.
**Protesters Demand Action**
The protesters are calling for nationalization of the mining industry and payment of owed salaries. They have announced plans for a large-scale demonstration in Chiatura on May 1, International Workers’ Day. The government has so far failed to address their demands, leading to increasing tensions.
**Charges Against Detained Miners Reclassified**
On April 30, defense lawyer Mariam Pataridze said the Prosecutor’s Office had reclassified the charges against the detained miners as more serious offenses. Merab Saralidze and Giorgi Neparidze are now accused of organizing and participating in group violence, while Archil Chumburidze and Tengiz Gvelesiani face charges of participation only.
The court hearing to decide on pretrial measures for the detained miners is scheduled for May 1. The charges fall under Article 225 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which criminalizes organizing, leading, or taking part in group violence and is punishable by six to nine years in prison for organizers and four to six years for participants.
**Hunger Strike Continues**
Six miners have been on hunger strike since April 28, while one miner, Irakli Jikidze, who has been on dry hunger strike for several days, required medical attention. This is a desperate attempt by the miners to draw attention to their plight and bring about change.
**The Future of Chiatura’s Mining Industry**
As tensions continue to escalate in Chiatura, it remains to be seen how this crisis will unfold. Will the government finally take action to address the concerns of the miners, or will the mining industry continue to decline? One thing is certain: the people of Chiatura are facing a dire financial crisis and need urgent support.
**Read More**
For more on this story, visit civil.ge.
