Georgia's intelligence services have warned of a potential plot by criminal elements to overthrowing the government days before the presidential elections in the country, reported DPA, quoted by BTA.
Local media reported a warning from the services about “organizers of destructive and criminal activities” planning to disrupt the indirect presidential election this Saturday.
They are said to be considering escalating the current tense situation and are ready to make sacrifices. It is reported that foreign intelligence services are behind the coordination.
Allegations of fraud in parliamentary elections in late October led to weeks of demonstrations, particularly in the capital Tbilisi.
The announcement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze from the ruling party "Georgian Dream", which won the parliamentary elections, that the negotiations for joining the European Union will be postponed until the end of 2028, caused violent protests. Clashes also broke out between demonstrators and the police. Over the past two weeks, several hundred arrests have been made amid allegations of police violence, and opposition leaders have been detained.
For the first time, the president will be elected by an electoral college and not directly by the citizens.
„Georgian Dream“ has a parliamentary majority and nominated ex-footballer Mihail Kavelashvili as his candidate.
President Salome Zurabishvili, who supports Georgia's accession to the EU, has said she will not step down from her post because of the controversies surrounding the parliamentary elections.
The pro-European protests in the country did not subside even last night, when thousands took to the streets of Tbilisi again, and the European Union warned that it could punish Georgia for the repression against the demonstrators.
Crowds gathered outside parliament for the thirteenth night in a row against the government's decision to shelve EU accession efforts after a contested election.
Tensions have been rising in Georgia since the ruling Georgian Dream party, which is accused of bringing the country closer to Russia, won parliamentary elections on October 26.
The European Union is considering additional measures against the rulers of Georgia at the Foreign Affairs Council, which will be held on December 16, according to a statement from the spokesperson of the European External Action Service.