The United States on Friday sanctioned Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister widely seen as the country's de facto leader, saying he was undermining democracy and allowing Russia to benefit.
Ivanishvili, who made billions in Russia in metals and telecoms in the 1990s, has spearheaded a turn away from the West in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Georgia" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Georgia</a> and accused foreign intelligence agencies of trying to drive it into war with Russia.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-and-incompatible-france-warns-over-threats-against-georgias-pro-eu-president-8571713">'Unacceptable&nbsp;and incompatible': France warns over threats against Georgia's pro-EU president</a>
Critics say that under his Georgian Dream party, the country has become more authoritarian and pro-Moscow.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-drops-bounty-on-syrias-new-leader-after-talks-in-syrian-capital-785759">US Secretary of State Antony Blinken</a> said Washington was sanctioning the reclusive Ivanishvili for "undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation."
Blinken said Ivanishvili had implemented "actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in the United States or abroad" for Russia.
The sanctions, which freeze any US assets belonging to Ivanishvili, follow years of souring relations between the West and Georgia, a former Soviet republic now a candidate for European Union membership.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the move "blackmail" and said it was Ivanishvili's "reward" for protecting Georgia from war.
He repeated claims by Ivanishvili allies that the billionaire has been under de facto US sanctions for years, something Washington denies.
Georgian Dream, which is dominated by Ivanishvili, says it is committed to a democratic and pro-Western Georgia while also maintaining pragmatic ties with neighbouring Russia.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-gay-couple-gets-100-years-in-jail-for-raping-adopted-sons-and-filming-child-pornography-786444">Georgia gay couple gets 100 years in jail for raping adopted sons and filming child pornography</a>
But last month it froze EU talks until 2028, abruptly halting a longstanding national goal.
The freeze triggered protests and a crackdown that has seen more than 400 people, including opposition politicians, detained.
<h2>Opposition leader, Ukraine welcomes sanctions</h2>
Georgia's Interpress news agency quoted Giorgi Vashadze, a leader of the opposition United National Movement, as saying he welcomed sanctions on Ivanishvili.
"The people's struggle has its results," Vashadze said. "The whole world sees the protest of the Georgian people, and this is a serious success of this protest."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the US move, saying Ivanishvili "is effectively the ruler in Tbilisi today and is doing everything to hand Georgia over to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's control.
"The loss of any country in our region, the destruction of democracy for one nation and the spread of criminal Russian influence pose a threat to the entire region and all its peoples," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram.
The US on Dec. 18 sanctioned several Georgian interior ministry officials whom it accused of complicity in the crackdown on protesters.
Ivanishvili has this year championed laws regulating "foreign agents" and LGBT rights that critics say are draconian and inspired by Russia.
Russia ruled Georgia for around 200 years until 1991 and continues to back two breakaway Georgian regions. They have had no formal diplomatic relations since Moscow defeated Tbilisi in a five-day war in 2008. Russia has said it does not interfere in Georgia.
The recent upheavals follow a disputed election in October, in which official results gave the Georgian Dream almost 54% of the vote. Opposition parties say it was tainted with fraud and illegitimate.
President Salome Zourabichvili, a critic of Georgian Dream, has said she does not recognise the election results and will not leave office when her term ends.
Her successor, Mikheil Kavelashvili, elected by Georgian Dream lawmakers, is due to be inaugurated on Sunday.
Georgian Dream has said it expects relations with the US to improve under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

World: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was sanctioning the reclusive Ivanishvili for "undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation."

The United States on Friday sanctioned Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister widely seen as the country's de facto leader, saying he was undermining democracy and allowing Russia to benefit. Ivanishvili, who made billions in Russia in metals and telecoms in the 1990s, has spearheaded a turn away from the West in Georgia and accused foreign intelligence agencies of trying to drive it into war with Russia. Also read: 'Unacceptable and incompatible': France warns over threats against Georgia's pro-EU president Critics say that under his Georgian Dream party, the country has become more authoritarian and pro-Moscow. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was sanctioning the reclusive Ivanishvili for "undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation." Blinken said Ivanishvili had implemented "actions or policies that undermine democratic processes or institutions in the United States or abroad" for Russia. The sanctions, which freeze any US assets belonging to Ivanishvili, follow years of souring relations between the West and Georgia, a former Soviet republic now a candidate for European Union membership. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the move "blackmail" and said it was Ivanishvili's "reward" for protecting Georgia from war. He repeated claims by Ivanishvili allies that the billionaire has been under de facto US sanctions for years, something Washington denies. Georgian Dream, which is dominated by Ivanishvili, says it is committed to a democratic and pro-Western Georgia while also maintaining pragmatic ties with neighbouring Russia. Also read: Georgia gay couple gets 100 years in jail for raping adopted sons and filming child pornography But last month it froze EU talks until 2028, abruptly halting a longstanding national goal. The freeze triggered protests and a crackdown that has seen more than 400 people, including opposition politicians, detained. Opposition leader, Ukraine welcomes sanctions Georgia's Interpress news agency quoted Giorgi Vashadze, a leader of the opposition United National Movement, as saying he welcomed sanctions on Ivanishvili. "The people's struggle has its results," Vashadze said. "The whole world sees the protest of the Georgian people, and this is a serious success of this protest." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the US move, saying Ivanishvili "is effectively the ruler in Tbilisi today and is doing everything to hand Georgia over to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's control. "The loss of any country in our region, the destruction of democracy for one nation and the spread of criminal Russian influence pose a threat to the entire region and all its peoples," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram. The US on Dec. 18 sanctioned several Georgian interior ministry officials whom it accused of complicity in the crackdown on protesters. Ivanishvili has this year championed laws regulating "foreign agents" and LGBT rights that critics say are draconian and inspired by Russia. Russia ruled Georgia for around 200 years until 1991 and continues to back two breakaway Georgian regions. They have had no formal diplomatic relations since Moscow defeated Tbilisi in a five-day war in 2008. Russia has said it does not interfere in Georgia. The recent upheavals follow a disputed election in October, in which official results gave the Georgian Dream almost 54% of the vote. Opposition parties say it was tainted with fraud and illegitimate. President Salome Zourabichvili, a critic of Georgian Dream, has said she does not recognise the election results and will not leave office when her term ends. Her successor, Mikheil Kavelashvili, elected by Georgian Dream lawmakers, is due to be inaugurated on Sunday. Georgian Dream has said it expects relations with the US to improve under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US sanctions ex-Georgia prime minister Ivanishvili for undermining nation's 'future' to benefit Russia

Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party on Saturday (Oct 26) claimed victory in the country's parliamentary elections. Behind the party is Bidzina Ivanishvili, a reclusive billionaire who runs the country from behind the scenes. Here's all you need to know about him.

"I assure you, our country will achieve great success in the next four years," he told his supporters after claiming victory.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1822}">Who is Ivanishvili?</h2>

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the 68-year-old oligarch, is Georgia's richest man and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Ivanishvili entered Georgian politics 12 years ago. Back then, he promised to transform the country's democracy, reports news agency AFP. However, critics argue that he has driven the nation into isolation, "undermining democracy" and aligning closer with Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:296,&quot;w&quot;:526,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1983}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgias-ruling-dream-party-wins-majority-with-70-of-precincts-counted-771016">Georgia's ruling Dream party wins majority with 70% of precincts counted</a>

In recent weeks, Ivanishvili has intensified anti-Western rhetoric, accusing opposition parties of conspiring with a so-called "global war party" and trying to draw Georgia into conflict with Russia.&nbsp;

Born into poverty in western Georgia, Ivanishvili amassed his $4.9 billion fortune in Russia during the chaotic 1990s. He briefly served as prime minister in 2012 — serving for over one year.

According to Transparency International's Georgian branch, Ivanishvili has "near absolute power"&nbsp;without formal accountability.&nbsp;

Georgian Dream has "managed to gradually capture all branches of power and independent institutions in the country," said the group in May.

"The arrangement allows Ivanishvili to have near absolute power without any formal accountability," it added.

The oligarch wields influence behind the scenes, often through loyal associates — such as personal bodyguards, ex-CEOs of his companies, personal assistants and family doctors &nbsp;— who fill key government roles "with law enforcement and security services being the key".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-goes-to-polls-as-voters-decide-path-in-europe-770992">Georgia votes in high stakes election as voters decide between West and Russia</a>

Ivanishvili's lifestyle is as extravagant as his influence is extensive. His mansion in Tbilisi features a priceless collection of contemporary paintings, a modern art collection, exotic animals, and baobab trees transported from Africa.&nbsp;

His holdings extend far beyond Georgia, with luxury properties in Paris and New York under offshore entities. Ivanishvili's Co-Investment Fund, based in Luxembourg, operates projects across Georgia, from luxury hotels to industrial factories.

(With inputs from agencies)

Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party on Saturday (Oct 26) claimed victory in the country's parliamentary elections. Behind the party is Bidzina Ivanishvili, a reclusive billionaire who runs the country from behind the scenes.

Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party on Saturday (Oct 26) claimed victory in the country's parliamentary elections. Behind the party is Bidzina Ivanishvili, a reclusive billionaire who runs the country from behind the scenes. Here's all you need to know about him. "I assure you, our country will achieve great success in the next four years," he told his supporters after claiming victory. Who is Ivanishvili? Bidzina Ivanishvili, the 68-year-old oligarch, is Georgia's richest man and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Ivanishvili entered Georgian politics 12 years ago. Back then, he promised to transform the country's democracy, reports news agency AFP. However, critics argue that he has driven the nation into isolation, "undermining democracy" and aligning closer with Russia. Also read | Georgia's ruling Dream party wins majority with 70% of precincts counted In recent weeks, Ivanishvili has intensified anti-Western rhetoric, accusing opposition parties of conspiring with a so-called "global war party" and trying to draw Georgia into conflict with Russia. Born into poverty in western Georgia, Ivanishvili amassed his $4.9 billion fortune in Russia during the chaotic 1990s. He briefly served as prime minister in 2012 — serving for over one year. According to Transparency International's Georgian branch, Ivanishvili has "near absolute power" without formal accountability. Georgian Dream has "managed to gradually capture all branches of power and independent institutions in the country," said the group in May. "The arrangement allows Ivanishvili to have near absolute power without any formal accountability," it added. The oligarch wields influence behind the scenes, often through loyal associates — such as personal bodyguards, ex-CEOs of his companies, personal assistants and family doctors — who fill key government roles "with law enforcement and security services being the key". Also read | Georgia votes in high stakes election as voters decide between West and Russia Ivanishvili's lifestyle is as extravagant as his influence is extensive. His mansion in Tbilisi features a priceless collection of contemporary paintings, a modern art collection, exotic animals, and baobab trees transported from Africa. His holdings extend far beyond Georgia, with luxury properties in Paris and New York under offshore entities. Ivanishvili's Co-Investment Fund, based in Luxembourg, operates projects across Georgia, from luxury hotels to industrial factories. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Bidzina Ivanishvili? The reclusive billionaire behind Georgia's ruling party

A court in Singapore on Friday (May 26) ordered fallen banking giant Credit Suisse to pay USD 926 million to a former Georgian prime minister. The payment was ordered as it was determined by the court that Credit Suisse failed in its duty to safeguard the former PM's assets. The order is another blow to the collapsed bank.&nbsp;

Credit Suisse was recently bought by UBS, Switzerland's largest bank in order to prevent a financial collapse after series of scandals.

Credit Suisse was sued by former Georgia prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili in Singapore, New Zealand and Bermuda. Ivanishvili blamed the bank for fraudulent mismanagement that led to the billionaire suffering investment losses. In Singapore, the lawsuit was filed against Credit Suisse Group's subsidiary, Credit Suisse Trust Ltd.

In its decision, the Singapore International Commercial Court ruled in favour of Ivanishvili. It ordered that he be compensated.

"That amount as presently calculated to the date of trial is USD 926 million," international judge Patricia Bergin said in a decision.

Bergin added that as a result of a settlement, the amount "should be reduced by USD 79,430,773."

Credit Suisse released a statement. In it, the collapsed bank said that it will appeal the decision.

"The judgment published today is wrong and poses very significant legal issues," it said.

The court in Singapore said that Credit Suisse failed to safeguard Ivanishvili's assets from fraudulent transactions by his relationship manager Patrice Lescaudron.

Lescaudron was handed a five-year jail term by Swiss authorities in 2018 on charges of fraud and forgery.

Credit Suisse had approached Ivanishvili in late 2004 to offer him wealth-management services just after the billionaire and his business partner sold a metallurgical complex in Russia for $1.6 billion.

Ivanishvili agreed a deposit of more than USD 1 million into a trust set up in 2005 for asset holding and inheritance planning.

Lescaudron, however, misappropriated millions of dollars over the next nine years until 2015 when his fraud was exposed, according to the judgement.

<h2>EU approves takeover</h2>

The European Commission meanwhile approved takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS on Thursday (May 25). It ruled that the merger does not harm competition in Europe.

The commission, which runs the EU's powerful anti-trust regulator, said "the merger would not significantly reduce competition in the markets where their activities overlap" within the European Economic Area.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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A court in Singapore on Friday (May 26) ordered fallen banking giant Credit Suisse to pay USD 926 million to a former Georgian prime minister. The payment was ordered as it was determined by the court that Credit Suisse failed in its duty to safeguard the former PM's assets.

A court in Singapore on Friday (May 26) ordered fallen banking giant Credit Suisse to pay USD 926 million to a former Georgian prime minister. The payment was ordered as it was determined by the court that Credit Suisse failed in its duty to safeguard the former PM's assets. The order is another blow to the collapsed bank. Credit Suisse was recently bought by UBS, Switzerland's largest bank in order to prevent a financial collapse after series of scandals. Credit Suisse was sued by former Georgia prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili in Singapore, New Zealand and Bermuda. Ivanishvili blamed the bank for fraudulent mismanagement that led to the billionaire suffering investment losses. In Singapore, the lawsuit was filed against Credit Suisse Group's subsidiary, Credit Suisse Trust Ltd. In its decision, the Singapore International Commercial Court ruled in favour of Ivanishvili. It ordered that he be compensated. "That amount as presently calculated to the date of trial is USD 926 million," international judge Patricia Bergin said in a decision. Bergin added that as a result of a settlement, the amount "should be reduced by USD 79,430,773." Credit Suisse released a statement. In it, the collapsed bank said that it will appeal the decision. "The judgment published today is wrong and poses very significant legal issues," it said. The court in Singapore said that Credit Suisse failed to safeguard Ivanishvili's assets from fraudulent transactions by his relationship manager Patrice Lescaudron. Lescaudron was handed a five-year jail term by Swiss authorities in 2018 on charges of fraud and forgery. Credit Suisse had approached Ivanishvili in late 2004 to offer him wealth-management services just after the billionaire and his business partner sold a metallurgical complex in Russia for $1.6 billion. Ivanishvili agreed a deposit of more than USD 1 million into a trust set up in 2005 for asset holding and inheritance planning. Lescaudron, however, misappropriated millions of dollars over the next nine years until 2015 when his fraud was exposed, according to the judgement. EU approves takeover The European Commission meanwhile approved takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS on Thursday (May 25). It ruled that the merger does not harm competition in Europe. The commission, which runs the EU's powerful anti-trust regulator, said "the merger would not significantly reduce competition in the markets where their activities overlap" within the European Economic Area. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Another jolt to Credit Suisse, court orders it to pay $926 million to Georgian ex-PM

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Sunday, demanding the government's resignation and early parliamentary polls after the increasingly unpopular ruling party backtracked on promised electoral reforms.

Protesters gathered outside the parliament building on the capital Tbilisi's main thoroughfare in one of the biggest anti-government rallies in years amid mounting pressure on the ruling Georgian Dream party led by powerful oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Demanding the government's resignation and snap parliamentary polls, the crowd waved Georgian and European Union flags, lit coloured flares and held up a giant banner with the anti-Ivanishvili slogan "All against One".

Opposition parties had called for the protest after forming an unprecedented united front against Georgian Dream, whose MPs last week voted down legislation to hold parliamentary elections next year under a new proportional voting system.

The opposition accused Ivanishvili of orchestrating the bill's failure, saying the ruling party unfairly benefits from the current voting system.

At an earlier protest on Thursday, some 10,000 people rallied in Tbilisi, vowing to hold "permanent mass protests" until their demands for snap polls are met.

Ivanishvili, Georgia's richest man, had announced "large-scale political reform" under pressure following mass street protests in June and July.

The summer protests saw a violent police crackdown in which 240 people were injured and two peaceful protesters lost an eye, including a teenage girl.

Georgian Dream, in power since 2012, has seen its popularity plummet amid widespread discontent over its failure to address economic stagnation and perceived backsliding on its commitment to democracy.

Critics have accused Ivanishvili, who is widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia, of persecuting political opponents, suffocating critical media, and creating a corrupt political system where his private interests dominate government's decision-making.

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Sunday, demanding the government's resignation and early parliamentary polls after the increasingly unpopular ruling party backtracked on promised electoral reforms.

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Sunday, demanding the government's resignation and early parliamentary polls after the increasingly unpopular ruling party backtracked on promised electoral reforms. Protesters gathered outside the parliament building on the capital Tbilisi's main thoroughfare in one of the biggest anti-government rallies in years amid mounting pressure on the ruling Georgian Dream party led by powerful oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Demanding the government's resignation and snap parliamentary polls, the crowd waved Georgian and European Union flags, lit coloured flares and held up a giant banner with the anti-Ivanishvili slogan "All against One". Opposition parties had called for the protest after forming an unprecedented united front against Georgian Dream, whose MPs last week voted down legislation to hold parliamentary elections next year under a new proportional voting system. The opposition accused Ivanishvili of orchestrating the bill's failure, saying the ruling party unfairly benefits from the current voting system. At an earlier protest on Thursday, some 10,000 people rallied in Tbilisi, vowing to hold "permanent mass protests" until their demands for snap polls are met. Ivanishvili, Georgia's richest man, had announced "large-scale political reform" under pressure following mass street protests in June and July. The summer protests saw a violent police crackdown in which 240 people were injured and two peaceful protesters lost an eye, including a teenage girl. Georgian Dream, in power since 2012, has seen its popularity plummet amid widespread discontent over its failure to address economic stagnation and perceived backsliding on its commitment to democracy. Critics have accused Ivanishvili, who is widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia, of persecuting political opponents, suffocating critical media, and creating a corrupt political system where his private interests dominate government's decision-making.

Thousands protest in Georgia demanding snap polls

Thousands of people rallied in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgian-protesters-slam-putinism-raise-pressure-on-oligarch-229847">Georgia</a> on Tuesday as prosecutors said they would arrest an opposition leader over mass anti-government protests that have rocked the Caucasus nation for almost a week.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgian-protesters-slam-putinism-raise-pressure-on-oligarch-229847">Tbilisi protests</a> erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat, a controversial move in a country where ties with Moscow remain strained after a brief war in 2008.

Since then the rallies, which erupted Thursday, have morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in the country as leader of the ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgians-angry-over-russian-lawmakers-visit-try-to-storm-parliament-229107">Georgian Dream party</a>.

On Tuesday, prosecutors said they had charged Nika Melia, an opposition MP and a leader of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement party (UNM) with organising "mass violence" outside the parliament building.

The office of Georgia's Prosecutor General said in a statement that it has "appealed to parliament to strip Melia of a parliamentarian's immunity from prosecution and place him in pre-trial detention."

If found guilty, Melia could face up to nine years behind bars.

More than 20 opposition parties issued a statement denouncing Melia's announced arrest as "political persecution and start of repressions against the opposition."

On Tuesday evening, thousands of protesters gathered for the sixth consecutive day in front of Georgia's parliament building, demanding the resignation of the interior minister whom they accuse of using excessive force against the largely peaceful rally.

On Thursday, protesters briefly attempted to storm the parliament building but were pushed back by police and the rally continued peacefully until riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring scores of demonstrators.

Ivanishvili has accused opposition leaders of inciting protesters to storm parliament, a claim they have denied.

Thousands of people rallied in Georgia on Tuesday as prosecutors said they would arrest an opposition leader over mass anti-government protests that have rocked the Caucasus nation for almost a week.

Thousands of people rallied in Georgia on Tuesday as prosecutors said they would arrest an opposition leader over mass anti-government protests that have rocked the Caucasus nation for almost a week. The Tbilisi protests erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat, a controversial move in a country where ties with Moscow remain strained after a brief war in 2008. Since then the rallies, which erupted Thursday, have morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in the country as leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party. On Tuesday, prosecutors said they had charged Nika Melia, an opposition MP and a leader of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement party (UNM) with organising "mass violence" outside the parliament building. The office of Georgia's Prosecutor General said in a statement that it has "appealed to parliament to strip Melia of a parliamentarian's immunity from prosecution and place him in pre-trial detention." If found guilty, Melia could face up to nine years behind bars. More than 20 opposition parties issued a statement denouncing Melia's announced arrest as "political persecution and start of repressions against the opposition." On Tuesday evening, thousands of protesters gathered for the sixth consecutive day in front of Georgia's parliament building, demanding the resignation of the interior minister whom they accuse of using excessive force against the largely peaceful rally. On Thursday, protesters briefly attempted to storm the parliament building but were pushed back by police and the rally continued peacefully until riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring scores of demonstrators. Ivanishvili has accused opposition leaders of inciting protesters to storm parliament, a claim they have denied.

Thousands rally in Georgia as opposition leader faces arrest

Several thousand anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi for a fourth day on Sunday as tensions rose between Moscow and its ex-Soviet neighbour.

The Tbilisi protests erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat last week, a hugely sensitive move for two countries whose ties remain strained after a brief war in 2008.

The rallies have quickly morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia as a leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party he founded.

Demonstrators have gathered in front of the imposing building of Georgia's parliament, flooding the capital's main Rustavi Avenue and blocking traffic.&nbsp;

Protest placards took aim at billionaire tycoon Ivanishvili and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in response to the protests has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-orders-suspension-of-passenger-flights-from-russia-to-georgia-229392">banned Russian airlines from flying to Georgia</a> and Georgian air carriers travelling to Russia.

"Russia will not enslave my country again!" read one of the placards.

Chanting "Resign!" protesters marched at midnight towards the seat of the Georgian government which was encircled by a police cordon.

Waving Georgia's five-cross red-and-white flags, they sang the national anthem and -- before dispersing -- vowed to resume protest on Monday at 1500 GMT.

'Against Putinism'

In another sign of the tense atmosphere, dozens of riot police were deployed outside Ivanishvili's hilltop residence that overlooks Tbilisi, according to footage broadcast by Rustavi-2, a pro-opposition television channel earlier Sunday.

The Kremlin has branded the Tbilisi protests a "Russophobic provocation" and suspended air travel from July 8, in a move criticised by many Russians.

The protesters said they were against Putin and not ordinary Russians.

"We are fighting against Putinism," prominent Georgian novelist Lasha Bugadze said at the rally on Sunday.

"We've got no problems whatsoever with the Russian people, we are not xenophobes."

Ahead of planned parliamentary polls next year, the opposition is demanding electoral reform and snap elections, hoping to capitalise on discontent with the ruling party over its failure to kickstart a stagnant economy.&nbsp;

Opposition parties have also accused Ivanishvili of an "informal oligarch rule," eroding state institutions, and electoral fraud.

The first day of the protests saw a violent police crackdown that left 160 demonstrators and 80 police officers injured. More than 300 people were arrested.&nbsp;

Media reports said that several protesters –- including a 19-year-old girl -- that were hit by rubber bullets have lost their sight.

'Fed up'

The leader of Georgia's opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP that the appearance of a Russian MP in parliament's plenary chamber "was the last straw for Georgians, long frustrated over Ivanishvili's dysfunctional government and the backsliding of the country's democracy."

"Ordinary Georgians and political parties are united in their resolve to get rid of oligarchic rule," the veteran politician added.

"We are fed up, Russia's puppet Ivanishvili has usurped power in Georgia," said Kakha Vasadze, a 28-year-old musician.

Soso Gagoshvili, a 56-year-old chemist, said Ivanishvili must go. "Oligarchic rule has no place in the 21st century."

Relations between Georgia and its Soviet-era master Russia have long been fractured over Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and NATO.&nbsp;

The confrontation culminated in a full-out war over Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008.

After the war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians from both sides, Moscow recognised South Ossetia and another separatist enclave, Abkhazia, as independent states where it then stationed permanent military bases.

Tbilisi and its Western allies have denounced the move as an "illegal military occupation."

The two regions constitute 20 per cent of Georgia's territory.

Several thousand anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi for a fourth day on Sunday as tensions rose between Moscow and its ex-Soviet neighbour.

Several thousand anti-government protesters took to the streets of the Georgian capital Tbilisi for a fourth day on Sunday as tensions rose between Moscow and its ex-Soviet neighbour. The Tbilisi protests erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat last week, a hugely sensitive move for two countries whose ties remain strained after a brief war in 2008. The rallies have quickly morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia as a leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party he founded. Demonstrators have gathered in front of the imposing building of Georgia's parliament, flooding the capital's main Rustavi Avenue and blocking traffic. Protest placards took aim at billionaire tycoon Ivanishvili and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who in response to the protests has banned Russian airlines from flying to Georgia and Georgian air carriers travelling to Russia. "Russia will not enslave my country again!" read one of the placards. Chanting "Resign!" protesters marched at midnight towards the seat of the Georgian government which was encircled by a police cordon. Waving Georgia's five-cross red-and-white flags, they sang the national anthem and -- before dispersing -- vowed to resume protest on Monday at 1500 GMT. 'Against Putinism' In another sign of the tense atmosphere, dozens of riot police were deployed outside Ivanishvili's hilltop residence that overlooks Tbilisi, according to footage broadcast by Rustavi-2, a pro-opposition television channel earlier Sunday. The Kremlin has branded the Tbilisi protests a "Russophobic provocation" and suspended air travel from July 8, in a move criticised by many Russians. The protesters said they were against Putin and not ordinary Russians. "We are fighting against Putinism," prominent Georgian novelist Lasha Bugadze said at the rally on Sunday. "We've got no problems whatsoever with the Russian people, we are not xenophobes." Ahead of planned parliamentary polls next year, the opposition is demanding electoral reform and snap elections, hoping to capitalise on discontent with the ruling party over its failure to kickstart a stagnant economy. Opposition parties have also accused Ivanishvili of an "informal oligarch rule," eroding state institutions, and electoral fraud. The first day of the protests saw a violent police crackdown that left 160 demonstrators and 80 police officers injured. More than 300 people were arrested. Media reports said that several protesters –- including a 19-year-old girl -- that were hit by rubber bullets have lost their sight. 'Fed up' The leader of Georgia's opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP that the appearance of a Russian MP in parliament's plenary chamber "was the last straw for Georgians, long frustrated over Ivanishvili's dysfunctional government and the backsliding of the country's democracy." "Ordinary Georgians and political parties are united in their resolve to get rid of oligarchic rule," the veteran politician added. "We are fed up, Russia's puppet Ivanishvili has usurped power in Georgia," said Kakha Vasadze, a 28-year-old musician. Soso Gagoshvili, a 56-year-old chemist, said Ivanishvili must go. "Oligarchic rule has no place in the 21st century." Relations between Georgia and its Soviet-era master Russia have long been fractured over Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and NATO. The confrontation culminated in a full-out war over Georgia's breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia in August 2008. After the war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians from both sides, Moscow recognised South Ossetia and another separatist enclave, Abkhazia, as independent states where it then stationed permanent military bases. Tbilisi and its Western allies have denounced the move as an "illegal military occupation." The two regions constitute 20 per cent of Georgia's territory.

Georgian protesters slam 'Putinism', raise pressure on oligarch