The pro-European protests in the Republic of Georgia in the South Caucasus resulted in serious excesses of violence. Videos of brutal scenes were posted on social networks: groups of masked men in black clothes attacked peaceful people, hitting and kicking them. A reporter from the opposition television channel TV Pirveli was also knocked to the ground. The police observed the attacks without intervening, various media reported.
It is the tenth day in a row that thousands of Georgians are protesting against a government decision to postpone EU accession negotiations until 2028. In recent days, dozens have been injured and hundreds have been arrested during street protests in the capital Tbilisi. People in other cities in the country are also protesting against the deviation from the pro-Western course of Georgia, which has been a candidate for EU membership since 2023.
Ombudsman demands police safety for citizens
Georgian Human Rights Commissioner Levan Iosseliani, who recently complained about the torture of dissidents in prison, called on police to immediately respond to the violence and ensure the safety of citizens. The ombudsman called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable. The Ministry of the Interior has announced an investigation. On television, Iosseliani said the mood in the country had reached a “boiling point.”
MP Mamuka Mdinaradze of the ruling Georgian Dream party said the men in black were not acting on behalf of the leadership. Their goal was apparently to cause unrest and chaos. In Tbilisi, numerous clerics from different religions also protested against the violence during the pro-European protests. They expressed their solidarity with the demonstrators who tried to enter the EU.
Demonstrations continue
The participants are now no longer just demonstrating for accession to the EU and against police brutality, but also for the release of those arrested. The protests in the South Caucasus republic were sparked by the controversial parliamentary elections at the end of October. The ruling Georgian Dream party was again declared the winner. The Western-oriented opposition speaks of election fraud and does not recognize the results.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
