Anti-Government Protests in Georgia Enter Twelfth Day Amidst Intense Police Crackdown

Georgia’s anti-government protests, ignited by the suspension of EU accession talks, have entered their twelfth consecutive day. Despite mounting police repression, demonstrators continue to gather in Tbilisi, voicing their discontent with the Georgian Dream party’s decision to halt the country’s EU membership negotiations. Thousands of citizens have taken to the streets, clashing with authorities who have employed water cannons, tear gas, and physical force—targeting activists and journalists.

Suspension of EU Talks Sparks Mass Protests
The protests intensified following the October 26 elections, which were viewed as a critical referendum on Georgia’s future in the European Union. The ruling Georgian Dream party’s controversial decision to suspend EU accession talks has raised fears among many Georgians that their aspirations for a European future are slipping away.

The opposition, led by pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili, has accused the ruling party of electoral fraud, including alleged interference from neighboring Russia. This growing disillusionment with the government’s policies has driven mass protests, with demonstrators gathering outside Georgia’s parliament in Tbilisi. Over 300 people have been detained during the unrest, and at least 100 have been treated for injuries. The crackdown has been particularly harsh against journalists, adding a layer of international concern about the state of press freedom in the country.

Russia’s Alleged Role and Growing International Concern
The protests gained momentum as allegations surfaced that Russia had meddled in Georgia’s recent elections. Georgian opposition leaders, as well as Salome Zourabichvili, have pointed to Russian influence, suggesting it may have helped rig the results in favor of Georgian Dream. This has exacerbated public outrage, as many believe Russia is trying to pull Georgia back into its sphere of influence, undermining the country’s long-standing efforts to align with the European Union.

This turn of events comes after Georgia applied for EU membership in March 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The EU had granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023, a milestone celebrated by Georgians who viewed it as the first step toward a European future. The government’s decision to pause these talks has deeply frustrated the public and sparked widespread demonstrations.

Tensions Escalate Amid Heavy Police Crackdown
The government’s response to the protests has been increasingly repressive. Authorities have detained protesters and opposition figures, while also escalating violence, particularly against the press. The police crackdown and attacks on journalists have raised alarms about the erosion of democratic freedoms in Georgia, a country once seen as a promising partner for the EU.

International observers, including European Union officials, have voiced concern over the government’s handling of the protests, calling for restraint and urging the Georgian leadership to respect the rights of its citizens to peacefully protest. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has also expressed concern about Georgia’s political direction, particularly in the context of EU integration.

Opposition’s Defiant Stand
Despite the ongoing crackdown, protesters remain undeterred. Demonstrators have vowed to continue their efforts until their demands are met, including the resumption of EU talks and the resignation of those they believe are responsible for undermining the country’s EU aspirations. These protests reflect the deepening divide between Georgia’s pro-Western population and the pro-Russian elements within the government.

As the unrest continues, the future of Georgia’s EU integration remains uncertain. With over 300 arrests and mounting international pressure, the government faces increasing challenges in navigating the crisis. The outcome of these protests will have significant implications for Georgia’s relationship with both the EU and Russia in the years to come.