Police arrests opposition Lelo General Secretary and two other members

Georgian police have arrested Irakli Kupradze, General Secretary of the opposition party Lelo – Strong Georgia, along with Otar Parulava and Juba Loladze.

According to Lelo, the three were stopped by police on Vazisubani Street while driving. Shortly after, they were detained.

Before the arrest, Otar Parulava started a Facebook Live from inside the car, capturing the moment when three police patrol units arrived. In the footage, Irakli Kupradze is seen telling the officers that they represent a political party, to which one of the officers responded by asking whether that granted them any special privileges.

When Kupradze asked on what grounds they were stopped, an officer—who was simultaneously speaking on the phone—replied that they were acting “based on the law.” Officers then instructed the Lelo members to follow them and turn off their phones.

During the confrontation, Irakli Kupradze also started a Facebook Live, stating that they had nothing illegal in the car and that police were free to inspect it.

At this stage, Lelo representatives say they do not know where the detainees have been taken.