The Georgian government’s rejection of accession negotiations with the EU has sparked intense protests in Tbilisi and other cities in the country. Riots broke out when police used tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets against people demonstrating peacefully.
According to local media, several protesters and journalists have been arrested. The protests continued Friday morning.
A few hours earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister Kobachidze had been re-elected by parliament. In Georgia, there have been numerous protests by opponents of the ruling Georgian Dream party since the parliamentary elections on October 26. Based on the official election results, the party had achieved a clear majority.
However, the opposition accuses her of election fraud and boycotts the new parliament. Regardless, ruling party MPs confirmed Kobakhidze’s appointment on Thursday. He then announced that Georgia’s planned accession to the EU would be postponed until 2028.
Thousands gather in front of Parliament
Thousands of protesters gathered in front of Tbilisi’s parliament building on Thursday evening, blocking the city’s main street. Many of them waved EU and Georgian flags.
“The Georgian Dream did not win the elections, but staged a coup,” said 20-year-old protester Shota Sabashvili. “We will not allow this self-appointed Prime Minister to destroy our European future,” she added.
The police use tear gas and water cannons
Shortly after midnight, police began using tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators. Later, she also used rubber bullets and hit protesters and journalists. They in turn set fire to barricades. According to the Ministry of Interior, police acted in accordance with the law to de-escalate the situation.
Demonstrations against the government also took place in other cities. In the western city of Kutaisi, police arrested several protesters, independent television channel Pirweli reported.
Source: Krone
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