Thousand of people staged a mass anti-government rally Friday in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi after a prominent opposition leader and former defence minister was arrested on corruption charges.

At least 10,000 opposition members and supporters protested against the arrest of Irakli Okruashvili, who previously accused President Mikheil Saakashvili of corruption and ordering the assassination of a businessman.

The crowd rallied in front of the parliament building and demanded Okruashvili’s release along with asking the president to step down, media reports said.

Government officials said those trying to topple the government would pay dearly for their attempt and reiterated that Okruashvili is under investigation for involvement in corruption affairs, money laundering, extortion and of office while Georgia's defense minister.

Media footage showed thousands of demonstrators rallying in central Tbilisi, many carrying banners and placards.

“We demand the immediate resignation of the president and the dissolution of parliament,” said Koka Gunzadse, a leader of the Party for a Unified Georgia recently unveiled by Okruashvili.

However, the party’s drive wasn’t publicly supported by other opposition leaders, who said political turmoil could jeopardize the parliamentary and presidential elections due to be held next year.

The ex-defence minister and long-time ally of President Saakashvili, sustains he is innocent and is being “politically persecuted.” His lawyers condemned the searches conducted by police in Okruashvili’s office and private quarters, which are allegedly aimed at destroying evidence collected against the Georgian leader.

Okruashvili claimed that Saakashvili ordered the elimination of a prominent businessman several years ago, allegations labeled as “baseless” by the government.

While thousands protested against his administration, Saakashvili is attending the United Nations General Assembly session in New York. Observers said the situation is becoming very tense and would continue to mount until the returns from the United States.

Friday’s anti-government protests were the biggest since Saakashvili came to power in 2003 and outlines the power struggle between the two prominent politicians, a political battle that is expected to intensify as the elections draw closer.