Protesters in Batumi opposed the ban on five opposition parties.

Opposition representatives and their supporters gathered today at the Constitutional Court in Batumi, where a lawsuit to ban five opposition parties is being considered. The protesters stated that satisfying the demands of "Georgian Dream" would jeopardize the principles of democracy.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on October 20, it became known that the Constitutional Court of Georgia allowed video recording and live broadcasting of the hearings scheduled for October 21 on the merits of the lawsuit to ban opposition parties. "Georgian Dream" filed the lawsuit in October 2025, demanding to ban "United National Movement", "Coalition for Changes", and "Strong Georgia – Lelo". In April 2026, the lawsuit was amended to include a demand to ban the "Federalists" party, and in September – "Gakharia – For Georgia".

Today, October 21, the Constitutional Court of Georgia in Batumi began to consider the merits of the lawsuit from "Georgian Dream" to ban five opposition parties. A protest action is taking place outside the courthouse, organized by representatives of opposition parties and their supporters. They oppose the ban on political forces and believe that satisfying the lawsuit would jeopardize democracy in the country.

The gathered set up a monitor near the court to follow the live broadcast of the session. At the same time, participants in the action are making political statements, Interpressnews reported.

The protesters stated that the proceedings initiated by the authorities are distancing Georgia from the civilized world. They expressed concern that the plenary session of the Constitutional Court would make a decision in favor of the authorities, thereby undermining democracy in the country.

Participants in the action called the process unconstitutional, and its outcome predetermined, reported the Georgian First Channel.

The channel's website is broadcasting the court session live.

It should be noted that on October 13, Constitutional Court judge Manana Kobakhidze resigned early after her colleagues rejected her request to recuse herself from considering the lawsuit to ban opposition parties. Kobakhidze was a co-founder and the first chairperson of "Georgian Dream"; she led the party from 2012 to 2013 and served as the first vice-speaker of parliament from 2012 to 2016. In 2017, she became a judge of the Constitutional Court, and in 2021 – its deputy chairperson, Georgian journalists reminded. 1 .

Kobakhidze explained her decision by the need to maintain the impartiality of the court: her participation in considering the lawsuit from representatives of the party she founded and led could raise justified doubts in society. "This was my personal decision, my personal, independent step, and nothing more. I believe I was right," she told journalists. At the same time, she refused to directly assess the demand to ban the parties, citing professional ethics.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that pro-European protests continue in Georgia. Thus, on October 20, on the 692nd day of continuous actions, demonstrators in Tbilisi called for the protection of freedom of speech and expressed support for the arrested journalist Vakho Sanaya. Participants in the gatherings demand the release of those detained for participating in protests, the repeal of repressive laws, and the holding of free elections.