Georgia Reels as Thousands Protest Over Stalled EU Bid
Massive Demonstrations Continue for Seventh Night in Tbilisi
For the seventh consecutive night, thousands of Georgians took to the streets of Tbilisi, the nation’s capital, in a powerful display of dissent. Demonstrators, demanding Georgia’s continued pursuit of European Union membership, blocked the main artery, Rustaveli Prospekt, their voices echoing with a determination to see their country aligned with the West. The protests erupted after the ruling Georgian Dream party effectively put EU accession on hold until 2028, a move met with widespread anger and frustration.
Police Crackdown Intensifies Amidst Growing Tensions
As the protests continued, tensions escalated further on Wednesday. Riot police confronted the sea of demonstrators, deploying water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Video footage shared by the country’s largest opposition party on X, formerly known as Twitter, captured a harrowing scene: a motionless man, identified as Nika Gwaramia, the leader of the opposition party Coalition for Change, being physically attacked and dragged unconscious into a police car.
The opposition party condemned the police action, accusing them of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. Clashes continued throughout the day, with police arresting multiple prominent opposition figures. Aleko Elisashvili, a leading member of the Strong Georgia party; a senior member of the Dafioni youth movement; and at least six other opposition activists were detained.
EU Raises Concerns over Police Conduct
International observers expressed growing alarm about the situation unfolding in Georgia. In a strongly worded statement on Platform X, a spokesperson for the newly appointed EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, expressed “deep concern” about reports of arbitrary arrests, violence, and ill-treatment of demonstrators.
“We call on all parties to stop using excessive force and to ensure freedom of assembly,” the spokesperson wrote, urging the Georgian authorities to respect the fundamental rights of their citizens.
Arrests and Home Raids Fuel Protests
Local media reported that the Interior Ministry claimed the seven arrested individuals were involved in “organizing and leading group violence,” a charge that carries a maximum penalty of nine years in prison. Police said they searched the homes of six suspects, discovering items such as air rifles, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails, indicating they suspect the potential for escalation.
Adding to the growing unrest, a senior official within the Interior Ministry’s special forces resigned in protest, gelijk Georgian news agency Interpressnews reported. The official’s departure signaled a growing division within Georgia’s security apparatus over the government’s response to the protests.
Georgia at a Crossroads: Choosing Between East and West
The protests come at a critical juncture for Georgia. After parliamentary elections at the end of October, the Caucasus nation finds itself entangled in a tug-of-war between pro-Russian and pro-European forces. The government’s decision to delay EU accession talks has fueled discontent among those who see Georgia’s future within the EuropeanLd Union.
The demonstrators’ unwavering spirit, their continuous presence on the streets of Tbilisi, speaks to their deep desire for a future integrated with the European Union. Their fate may very well determine Georgia’s future trajectory, whether it embraces democratic values and aligns itself with the West or succumbs to the influence of its regional neighbors to the east.
What measures can the international community take to help de-escalate the situation in Georgia?
## Georgia in Crisis: An Interview with Dr. Mariam Khurtsidze
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**Host:** Welcome back to “Global Perspective.” Tonight, we delve into the heart of a political crisis unfolding in Georgia, where massive protests have rocked the nation for over a week. Joining us to shed light on this situation is Dr. Mariam Khurtsidze, a renowned political analyst specializing in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus region. Welcome to the show, Dr. Khurtsidze.
**Dr. Khurtsidze:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. What’s fueling these ongoing demonstrations in Tbilisi and across Georgia?
**Dr. Khurtsidze:** The protests are a direct response to the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to effectively delay Georgia’s accession to the European Union until 2028. This move has been met with significant anger and frustration by many Georgians who view EU membership as crucial to the country’s future prosperity and security.
**Host:** The situation appears to be escalating, with reports of police using force against protesters. Can you tell us more about this?
**Dr. Khurtsidze:** Unfortunately, yes. The situation on the ground is concerning. There have been numerous reports of police brutality, including the use of water cannons, tear gas, and physical assault against peaceful demonstrators. [[1](https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/police-georgia-arrest-opposition-leader-mass-protests-continue-116450181)]The arrest of Nika Gwaramia, the leader of the opposition Coalition for Change, further highlights the concerning crackdown on dissenting voices.
**Host:** The EU has expressed concern over these developments. What could the international community do to help de-escalate the situation in Georgia?
**Dr. Khurtsidze:** The international community, particularly the EU, has a vital role to play in diffusing the tensions. Public condemnation of the violence, calling for the immediate release of detained protestors, and putting pressure on the Georgian government to engage in meaningful dialog with the opposition are crucial steps.
**Host:** Dr. Khurtsidze, thank you for sharing your insights on this developing situation. We’ll continue to follow these events closely.
**Dr. Khurtsidze:** Thank you for having me.
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