-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Ivan Khomenko")
Mass protests in Georgia have entered their fourth consecutive day, fueled by widespread outrage over the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028. Demonstrators remain on the streets despite forceful dispersal attempts by law enforcement.
Protests, which began on November 28 following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement, have escalated into a nationwide movement against the ruling Georgian Dream party. The government’s refusal to initiate negotiations with the European Union has drawn sharp criticism from opposition groups and sparked violence during demonstrations.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Georgian government’s violent crackdown on peaceful protests in Tbilisi and expressed disappointment over Georgia’s decision to suspend EU membership talks until 2028. Ukraine urged Georgia to respect citizens' rights to protest and warned that the actions, which align with Moscow’s interests, signal a rollback of democratic processes.
The ministry emphasized that Georgian citizens overwhelmingly support closer ties with Europe and called for the resumption of EU reform efforts.
🇬🇪 | Yesterday’s anti-government demonstration in Tbilisi was one of the largest on record, with nearly 200,000 people attending. The high turnout made it a success, as protesters held their ground overnight for the first time despite dispersal attempts. pic.twitter.com/69c4mhp55M
— Visioner (@visionergeo) December 1, 2024
Clashes in Tbilisi
The protests are concentrated in Tbilisi, where demonstrators have gathered at Chavchavadze Avenue and the Tbilisi State University. Despite police using tear gas, water cannons, and other crowd-control measures, protesters have set up campfires and barricades, remaining defiant overnight.
On November 30, clashes intensified as protesters used fireworks and various objects against law enforcement, who responded with multiple dispersal attempts. Notably, a fire broke out near the Georgian Parliament building during the unrest.
Reports indicate that a journalist from Reuters and a public broadcaster photographer were injured, with one struck by pyrotechnics.
Firework machine gun on the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia tonight 🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/LOAAMlgQiu
— Ostap Yarysh (@OstapYarysh) November 30, 2024
Opposition and Public Response
Protesters accuse the government of aligning too closely with Russian interests and disregarding Georgia’s pro-European aspirations. Many citizens, wrapped in EU flags, have voiced concerns over losing the country’s future direction.
The opposition claims the 2024 parliamentary elections were marred by fraud and undue influence. Western observers have echoed concerns about democratic backsliding, further fueling tensions.
The resignation of several Georgian diplomats, including senior officials, in protest against the government’s stance on EU integration has added to the political turmoil. Meanwhile, the United States announced the suspension of its strategic partnership with Georgia.
The unfolding events have drawn attention from international bodies and human rights organizations. Critics have called for an immediate cessation of violence and urged the government to respect the people’s democratic right to peaceful protest.
