Interior Minister: Georgia facing possible “destabilization”

A Georgian figurehead has spoken out in fear of a mass uprising in the streets of Georgia, which could lead to massive civil unrest and destabilization of the country.

Georgia’s Interior Minister announced the country was facing the probable scenario of "destabilization … by political opponents”, who aimed to strengthen their political interests and shut down those currently in power.

In an interview with local newspaper Prime Time, Minister Aleksandre Tchikaidze said he was aware that some political opponents wanted to incite social violence by gathering a large group of people who were previously associated to the criminal world and were eager to arouse trouble in society.

"Sure, opponents will attempt to create disorder but this is only their desire and these kind of ideas will not come true,” he said.

He believed Euromaidan activists, who actively rallied in mass protests in central Kiev, Ukraine, had already arrived in Georgia and were taking part in training exercises.

"[They] are covered by several non-governmental organizations working on to lead people in down the street in a mass group. Then, they will shoot someone and blame the Government,” he said.

The Interior Minister believed there were plans to set up a large tent population where more than 300-400 people would be mobilized.

"I am certain our opponents will realize in advance that this is not the way that will bring any kind of good to our country,” Tchikaidze stressed.

He stressed the Ministry was doing everything it could to avoid a possible crisis.

"The group who attempt to create the destabilization will be severely punished …and opponents will try to blame the authority for organizing this,” Tchikaidze said.

He believed local society needed a calm environment, which would encourage normal development in Georgia.