The Kremlin response has internationalized the crisis, which has already roiled Georgian politics over the ruling party’s perceived softness toward Russia.
Georgian Dream came to power promising never to use violence against protestors, as was common under the former government. Now, images of tear gas and rubber bullets have shaken Georgians.
An enforcer for former president Mikheil Saakashvili has established a new political party, pitching it to the substantial population of angry Georgians.
Previous prosecutions in the case had been against high-level officials, opening the government up to charges it was pursuing a political vendetta rather than justice.