In Tbilisi, police began dispersing protesters using water cannons and tear gas.
In Tbilisi, during the second night of protests related to the suspension of negotiations for Georgia's EU membership, police detained 107 individuals. This was reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. As a result of the clashes, 10 police officers were injured, but the ministry did not provide information on the number of injured among the protesters.
The police stated that the rally on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi violated the law on gatherings and demonstrations.
Judging by footage published on social media, police acted very harshly while dispersing protesters. In particular, people were thrown to the ground and kicked. Excessive force was used, including against minors.
Fellas, I don’t post here a lot but you should absolutely know this // help me spread the word! Violent crackdowns are happening in Tbilisi, Georgia. We are fighting for our lives here. Please, please, please help us spread the word.
– General George Fella (@jezko.bsky.social) November 30, 2024, at 07:39
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The protests began on November 28 after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of Georgia's Euro-integration until 2028. He linked this decision to "blackmail" from European politicians who demanded the repeal of the "foreign agents" laws, a ban on "LGBT propaganda," and the release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili.
Mass protests spread across Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and other cities. To disperse demonstrators, the police began using physical force, water cannons, and tear gas. Even media representatives were targeted.
Protesters on Rustaveli Avenue started building barricades with makeshift materials, including electric scooters and benches. The office of the ruling party "Georgian Dream" was pelted with eggs, and its windows were smashed. Some demonstrators lay down on the roadway in front of special forces and water cannons but were detained.
President Salome Zourabichvili condemned the violence by the police, emphasizing that the actions of the authorities resemble Russian repressions. She called for accountability for those who used force against peaceful citizens.
On November 28, the day Prime Minister Kobakhidze announced the suspension of Georgia's Euro-integration, the European Parliament adopted a resolution that does not recognize the results of the parliamentary elections in Georgia and called for new voting.
Moreover, the resolution includes a recommendation to impose sanctions against Kobakhidze.
Background. It is worth noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine appealed to the Georgian government to respect the right of its people to peaceful protest. Ukraine is also disappointed with the Georgian government's decision to halt negotiations on EU membership.