Police in Tbilisi have arrested at least 16 individuals during a demonstration against a contentious parliamentary commission.

In the heart of Tbilisi, Georgia, protests erupted this week, as citizens took to the streets in opposition to Georgian Dream's anti-opposition parliamentary commission. The commission, set up by Georgian Dream in February, has been investigating the United National Movement (UNM) party's time in power, presenting its conclusions on the August 2008 War, placing blame on the former ruling party.

The commission's work and other parliamentary activities have allowed Georgian Dream and its allies to exercise full control over the legislative body, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by the opposition. Several opposition politicians boycotted the commission and did not appear despite being summoned, leading to their prosecution and months-long pretrial detention.

The protests began at the rear entrance of parliament and later moved to the entrance used by ruling party lawmakers. Videos show police detaining protesters at various points along Rustaveli Avenue, with the Interior Ministry issuing a statement saying the detentions were due to the protesters' failure to comply with the police's lawful order not to block the roadway.

The European Union, through its Eastern Partnership initiative, has been working to strengthen political and economic relations, rule of law, and civil society, including media freedom, in the Caucasus region. However, independent journalism in the region is under threat, with critics arguing that the commission's rhetoric downplays Russia's responsibility for the 2008 war.

The commission's suggestions of Georgia's responsibility for the 2008 war have provoked particular outrage among critics of Georgian Dream. During separate hearings at Tbilisi City Court, nine demonstrators were tried and sentenced to varying prison terms. Activists claim the number of detainees is higher, potentially exceeding 20.

In response to these threats, a newsroom is being built, powered by readers. This initiative aims to counteract the shrinking space for independent journalism in the region. As the Caucasus region experiences changes, it remains to be seen how these events will shape the future of democratic governance in Georgia.

Police in Tbilisi have arrested at least 16 individuals during a demonstration against a contentious parliamentary commission.