Protests erupted in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, resulting in clashes between demonstrators and police during the third consecutive night of unrest. The demonstrations were sparked by the government's decision to suspend its bid to join the European Union.
Thousands of individuals have participated in the protests since Thursday night, following Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement that the country would halt its E.U. accession process until 2028 and refuse all financial grants from the bloc. In response, police resorted to using water cannons, tear gas, and stun grenades to disperse crowds.
The Interior Ministry of Georgia reported on Sunday that the protests had escalated into violence overnight. Authorities indicated that protesters threw pyrotechnics and ignited objects toward police and the Parliament building, leading to a fire. Additionally, windows were smashed, and protective barriers around Parliament were damaged.
As of Saturday night, more than 100 arrests had been made, with several police officers reported injured. A total of 42 law enforcement personnel have sustained injuries since the protests began.
Reports from journalists indicated that police were seen chasing and assaulting protesters, although the number of injured demonstrators remains unclear.
The political climate in Georgia has been tumultuous since the Georgian Dream party's disputed electoral victory in October. The ruling party's pivot toward Russia and China has been met with strong opposition from those seeking closer western ties.
Under Georgia's Constitution, the government is mandated to “ensure the full integration” of the country into the European Union and NATO. President Salome Zourabichvili, who has a largely ceremonial role, has vocally supported the opposition and criticized the government's actions as a “constitutional coup.”
Late Saturday, Zourabichvili remarked on social media about the violence in Tbilisi, condemning the government for using illegal measures to silence citizens advocating for their constitutional and European rights.
Throughout the protests, demonstrators displayed flags representing Ukraine, Georgia, and the European Union, while also burning an effigy of the prime minister outside the Parliament building.
The situation remains tense as clashes continued into the early morning hours.