**Georgia’s Government on the Back Foot**
In a dramatic display of force, hundreds and thousands of police officers were deployed to the City Court in Tbilisi, Georgia. But despite their best efforts, the government may have made a grave mistake.
According to Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” coalition, the massive police mobilization was intended to arrest one man: Zurab Japaridze. However, this heavy-handed approach has only served to further embolden the opposition and expose the government’s vulnerability.
**A Calculated Risk Turns into a Fiasco**
Elisashvili pointed out that by deploying such a large number of police officers, the government may have underestimated the determination and resolve of the people. The leader of the coalition noted that citizens had gathered near the City Court to show their support for Japaridze, indicating that the opposition is not going quietly into the night.
**A Chain Reaction of Resistance**
This move by the government has sparked a chain reaction of resistance from various quarters. Members of the “Lelo – Strong Georgia” coalition refused to attend the parliamentary commission, while former Defense Minister Irakli Okruashvili defied the authorities. Now, with Japaridze’s court hearing, the opposition is pushing back against what they see as an overreach by the government.
**A Terrified Government**
Elisashvili described the government’s response to this growing opposition as one of “frightened” officials with “shaking knees.” He noted that the deployment of hundreds and thousands of police officers was a clear indication of their fear. However, Elisashvili believes that this heavy-handed approach has only served to further destabilize the situation.
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