The Georgian authorities’ decision to postpone EU accession talks until the end of 2028 triggered violent protests in Tbilisi.
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, whose term expires on 16 December, joined the protesters and called on ambassadors from the European Union to “act” to organise new elections in the country. However, her statements angered critics, who recalled similar anti-government provocations in Ukraine that led to a change of power and the resignation of then-president Viktor Yanukovych.
Police had dispersed all rioters by Friday morning. According to a preliminary report, 32 law enforcement officers were injured overnight, 13 of whom required surgery, with 1 still in the hospital. So far, police have reported 43 people detained.
Officers reportedly fired tear gas and smoke during the violent protests. The NGO International Association of Young Lawyers demanded that information about the substances used to disperse the protesters be made public. The lawyers alleged that the water contained chemical irritants, as protesters claimed to have received burns to their faces and bodies after being hit by water cannons.
Meanwhile, Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker Nino Tsilosani demanded the resignation of foreign ministry officials who condemned the suspension of European integration.
It is disgusting that diplomats allegedly swear by the EU in exchange for the interests of their own country – after this farce, you will be more convincing if you leave your positions. If you work in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the word “foreign” should not be the main word for you, but your own! Own country should be the main thing!
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also condemned the protests, adding that Georgia would take diplomatic measures if the EU ambassador did not stop interfering in the country’s internal affairs. Many MPs believed the protest action was instigated from abroad in order to shake Georgia and change the leadership to one that would support European integration. Some even said that the violent protests represented an attempted coup d’état.
