In a post-election issue, violent conflicts broke out between law enforcement and protesters outside Georgia’s parliament on Saturday. For the fourth consecutive nights, thousands gathered in Tbilisi, Georgia’s money, resulting in numerous prosecutions.
Following the ruling Georgian Dream group’s declared victory in the October 26 legislative election, which pro-European criticism claimed was false, the Black Sea nation has experienced substantial unrest.
Authorities use force to disperse audiences.
To disperse protesters who were launching fireworks, police officers in protective equipment used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Lights were observed emerging from legislature’s windows, whilst demonstrators constructed barriers on Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare.
Mass prosecutions amid escalating demonstrations
” I am afraid– I wo n’t hide it– that many people will get injured, but I am not afraid to stand here”, 39-year-old Tamar Gelashvili told AFP near the parliament building earlier in the day.
Rallies are common throughout Greek cities. According to the inside ministry,” some people’s actions at the rally quickly turned aggressive.” When authorities used tear gas and water guns to confront activists in the previous two days, more than 100 people were detained.
PM’s news fuels criticism outrage
Opposition fury over Irakli Kobakhidze’s decision to postpone Union membership conversations until 2028 was made on Thursday.
Greek Dream, which has been in power for more than ten years, is accused of directing Russia and the EU, a claim that they reject. Many people workers, including workers from foreign affairs, defence and learning departments, alongside courts, issued statements opposing Kobakhidze’s choice.
The decision was criticized as constitutional and would lead to “international isolation,” according to about 160 Greek diplomats. In rally, some diplomats resigned.
President urges balance in a turmoil
The scenario escalated with police clashes, press targeting, and common educational protests. President Salome Zurabishvili challenges poll results through constitutional court, while pro-Western opposition parties are boycotting legislature.
In an AFP meeting on Saturday, Zurabishvili announced establishing a “national committee” comprising opposition parties and civil society representatives to preserve security, saying,” I will be the agent of this genuine, firm change”.
The international community, including the US, France, Britain, and others, condemned the crackdown. The US ended its Strategic Partnership with Georgia, and OSCE expressed grave concerns about how law enforcement handled peaceful protests.
