On January 23, a tense standoff unfolded in Tbilisi between authorities, a family facing eviction, and protesters during a dramatic eviction on Kekelidze Street. Officers from the National Bureau of Enforcement sought to carry out the eviction but encountered fierce resistance from residents and their supporters. Despite hours of opposition, law enforcement eventually initiated the eviction process. Reports suggested that tear gas might have been used inside the building, a claim denied by the National Bureau of Enforcement.

The eviction drew criticism from Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who deemed it unacceptable to evict people during winter and snowy conditions, causing damage to their property and insulting their dignity. According to the Social Justice Center, an NGO focusing on social issues, this marked the fifth attempt to evict the family since 2019. The family expressed willingness to settle their primary financial debt but were allegedly denied the opportunity.

The Public Defender’s Office and the Ombudsman’s Office stated their intent to locate detainees for proper assessment. Subsequently, the Ministry of Interior reported the arrest of 18 people under administrative charges, alleging disobedience of lawful police orders, disturbing public order, verbal and physical insults against police, and the use of unidentified special means. The ministry asserted that protesters damaged a National Bureau of Enforcement car, leading to investigations under the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Moreover, journalist Gela Mtivlishvili was arrested during the events but later released on parole. 

The National Bureau of Enforcement decided to postpone the eviction of another family scheduled for January 24, citing their vulnerability, including minors, and the need for additional time for negotiation. Civil society activists and citizens mobilized around the house to prevent the eviction, highlighting concerns over winter evictions. The Social Justice Center called on the government to suspend scheduled evictions during winter. President Zourabichvili disapproved of evictions in snowy conditions, emphasizing that they go against European values.