South Caucasus Republic: Violence during protests in Georgia: Thousands for EU course

The pro-European protests involving thousands of people in the South Caucasus republic of Georgia have led to new, serious riots between demonstrators and security forces. In the capital Tbilisi, demonstrators fired fireworks at the parliament building, and the explosions could be heard and seen on videos on social networks.

The authorities had banned the use of pyrotechnics. The emergency services in helmets and protective equipment repeatedly used violence against protesters because of the attacks on state facilities and also used water cannons and tear gas. Several people were taken into custody. Pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili spoke of terror against the demonstrators. She accused the authorities in the short message service X of serious human rights violations.

Media reported that the security forces were pelted with stones. Videos on social networks also showed people throwing objects at the uniformed men. The Georgian Interior Ministry said a police officer was injured. You could also see uniformed officers hitting demonstrators and kicking them. The hundreds advanced with shields and batons and heavy vehicles on Rustaveli Prospect, the capital’s central street. The number of injured protesters was initially unclear.

Demonstrations continue

The pro-European protests have been going on for more than a week. In other cities in the small country on the Black Sea with its big neighbor Russia, people continue to gather on the streets. They are against the country turning away from the EU course.

There were repeated riots during the demonstrations, with police and participants sometimes fighting in the streets. The participants are now no longer demonstrating for EU accession and against police violence, but also for the release of those arrested.

The protests in the South Caucasus republic were triggered by the controversial parliamentary election at the end of October. The ruling Georgian Dream party was once again declared the winner. The Western-oriented opposition speaks of election fraud and does not recognize the results. The protests gained momentum after a recent government announcement that it would suspend accession talks to the European Union until 2028. Georgia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2023.