**Georgian Students Detained for Protesting Against Government**
On May 30, a court in Tbilisi sentenced two students, Lika Lortkipanidze and Tatia Apriamashvili, to 12 days of detention. They were accused of insulting MP Mariam Lashkhi, a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The incident occurred on May 17 when the three activists confronted Lashkhi at a café where she was with her minor children. The activists shouted slogans against the government and its ties to Russia. Lashkhi claimed that she was insulted as a public official and filed a complaint with the police.
**New Law Used to Punish Activists**
The Interior Ministry supported Lashkhi’s claim and sought a 45-day detention for the two students. However, in February, the Georgian parliament had amended the law to make insulting a public official an administrative offense. This new law was used to punish the activists, sparking outrage among opposition groups.
**Protests Erupt in Response**
The detention of Lortkipanidze and Apriamashvili sparked widespread protests on May 30. The students marched from their university to Parliament, chanting slogans against the government and its oppression. Their fellow students have announced plans to boycott classes on Monday, June 2, to show solidarity.
**Separate Case**
In a separate case, another person was sentenced to five days in detention for allegedly insulting a police officer. This incident is seen as part of a wider crackdown on opposition activists and protesters by the Georgian government.
**Background**
The protests that began on October 31 have become a regular occurrence in Tbilisi. The demonstrations are led by opposition groups who demand freedom from the Russian regime and an end to what they see as the government’s oppression.
Read More @ civil.ge
