Fourteen participants in the October 18 protest were detained in Tbilisi.

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported the arrest of 14 people for blocking traffic on Rustaveli Avenue on the evening of October 18, and another 13 protesters have been identified.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," protesters in Tbilisi on October 18, the 325th day of protests, blocked traffic on Rustaveli Avenue. However, after a request from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which emphasized stricter legislation for violations at mass protests, they reopened the road to vehicles. Formula TV presenter Vakho Sanaia and at least seven others were detained for blocking Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi during a protest on October 18.

Fourteen people were detained under the Code of Administrative Offenses for participating in the October 18 protest. According to Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Alexander Darakhvelidze, 27 offenders have been identified, 14 of whom have already been detained, and administrative proceedings are underway against 13 individuals, and their cases will be considered in court in the coming days under administrative procedure.

"On October 18, 2025, on Rustaveli Avenue, in the area near the legislative body, despite the small number of demonstrators, the protesters artificially blocked the roadway and impeded traffic. By this action, the protesters violated the requirements of Article 11 of the Law of Georgia "On Assemblies and Manifestations," according to which it is unacceptable to artificially block the roadway unless the number of participants in the assembly requires it. Despite repeated calls from the police, as well as official statements from the Ministry of Internal Affairs not to disrupt traffic, the protesters did not obey the police orders and continued their illegal actions. In addition, some of the demonstrators had their faces covered, which is also a violation of the law," he was quoted as saying. "Interpressnews"

The court has already reviewed administrative charges against two detainees. Artist Levan Margiani has been arrested for six days for artificially blocking a roadway.

Tbilisi City Court Judge Zviad Tsekvava released detained activist Tornike Tkhilava with a verbal warning, the agency reports.

As a reminder, the Georgian Parliament adopted a bill on tougher penalties for violations at protests, including blocking roads, in an expedited manner two days after the attempted storming of the presidential palace. Wearing a mask at a rally or blocking a road is punishable by 15 days of administrative arrest. If the offender is an organizer, the term is increased to 20 days. If the police demand that the rally be stopped, failure to comply will result in arrest for up to 60 days. A similar sentence applies for carrying firearms or pyrotechnics at a rally. Amendments to the Criminal Code introduce prison sentences of up to one year for repeated violations of the rules for participating in protests, and up to two years for subsequent violations.

On October 4, the day of municipal elections, thousands of people gathered in central Tbilisi. After opera singer Paata Burchaladze declared that power in Georgia belongs to the people, clashes broke out between protesters and security forces near the presidential palace. Security forces used riot gear, while protesters used firecrackers. Six demonstrators and 21 security forces were hospitalized, and another 30 people received medical treatment on the spot. Police have opened a criminal case in connection with calls to overthrow the government, an attack on police officers, and the storming of the palace.

Caucasian Knot is posting materials about the recent municipal elections and protests by opposition supporters on the thematic page "Georgia: Elections Amid Protests".