We continue our live coverage of the fallout and widespread protests that have come in the wake of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement that Georgia would be halting its EU accession process.

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A group of Georgians searches for ‘missing’ ambassador in Estonia

A group of Georgians in Tallinn displayed posters in both English and Estonian on the streets of the Estonian capital, declaring the Georgian Ambassador to the country, Zurab Khamashuridze, ‘missing.’

Georgians took this action, accusing the Georgian Ambassador of refusing to meet with them and remaining silent on the government’s anti-EU shift and its violent suppression of street protests.

The posters drew attention to the Georgian government’s crackdown on ‘pro-democracy protesters’ and called on the ambassador to ‘fulfill his duty’ rather than remain silent on the issue. 

‘This silence is not neutrality. It is complicity’, the posters read.

The posters also included the Ambassador’s phone number, adding: ‘maybe he will answer you.’

Several Georgian ambassadors, including Otar Berdzenishvili (Bulgaria), Salome Shapakidze (Lithuania), David Zalkaliani (the US), and Davit Solomonia (Netherlands) — resigned in protest following the Georgian government’s announcement on 28 November to ‘halt’ EU accession talks until 2028.

PACE rapporteurs: sense of impunity for police violence unacceptable

The monitoring rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for Georgia, Claude Kern and Edite Estrela, today voiced their ‘deep concern’ over the detention of ‘opposition and protest leaders’, the raiding of their offices, and the ongoing police brutality against media workers and peaceful protesters, which they said ‘continues unabated’.

‘The impunity for such lamentable behaviour should end', stated the rapporteurs, referring to police brutality and all other violent incidents against protesters. 

Kern and Estrela called on the Georgian government to 'to fully respect the rights of freedom of expression and assembly, in line with their obligations as a member of the Council of Europe'. 

Nightly protests resume in Tbilisi and Batumi

Protesters blocked traffic on Tbilisi’s central Rustaveli Avenue for the 13th consecutive evening, condemning Georgian Dream’s recent shift away from the EU and the violence previously unleashed on protesters and media workers. 

No heavy police presence was spotted at the outset of the protest demonstration outside the parliament. 

Protests also restarted in Batumi near the offices of the Adjara Autonomous Republic government, accompanied by speeches and screening of investigative reports on irregularities in October’s elections and police brutality. 

Doctors rally ‘against violence’ in Kutaisi

A group of doctors joined the protest in Georgia’s western city of Kutaisi this evening, calling for the release of anti-government protest organiser Kote Chakhunashvili. 

The doctors gathered near the local City Hall offices, dressed in white coats and holding banners reading ‘Doctors Against Violence’ and ‘Non Nocere’ (Latin for ‘Do No Harm’).

Chakhunashvili, a popular paediatrician, was detained for allegedly disobeying police in Tbilisi yesterday.

Detained protester claims gendered harassment in police custody

Speaking at her court hearing today, prominent Georgian dancer Beatris Gazdeliani accused masked police officers of sexually harassing her.

‘Interior Ministry officers — they wore MIA-labeled uniforms — were wearing masks, filming me, and saying: “We know about you, that you’re stripping, undressing, stripteasing.” I don’t know why they were saying this to me. I stood there shocked, not knowing what to do. Hearing all of this was simply horrifying,’ Gazdeliani said.

Gazdeliani was detained while protesting with her arms outstretched in front of riot police lines on Saturday night in Tbilisi. She was subsequently accused of disobeying police orders, an accusation she has disputed. 

Gazdeliani is at least the second detainee in recent weeks to allege gender-based misconduct amid a slew of reports of police abuse of power. This follows Natia Dzidziguri’s accusations on 23 November, where she claimed that masked police officers sexually harassed her while in detention.

Hungary pledges to block EU sanctions targeting Georgian government officials

During a meeting with Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, Hungary’s Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed ongoing efforts within the EU — described by him as the ‘liberal elite’ of Brussels — to ‘propose adding certain Georgian government members and officials to a sanctions list.’

Szijjártó pledged that Hungary ‘will not permit it’ and affirmed his government's commitment to ‘stand by Georgian friends.’ He urged ‘everyone to respect the sovereignty of the Georgian people and the will they expressed through democratic elections.’

The written statement from Hungary’s top diplomat claimed that Georgian leaders were being targeted by the EU ‘because a patriotic, conservative party won the elections’ in Georgia, referring to Georgian Dream, while omitting any mention of the large-scale violence by the government against protesters.

Protesters rally outside Interior Ministry demanding release of detainees

A group of protesters, led by the opposition Coalition for Change group, gathered earlier this evening outside the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Tbilisi’s Ortachala district, demanding the release of ‘political prisoners.’

At the rally, protesters displayed Georgian national flags and photos of Georgians, including journalists, who were injured by the actions of the police and masked gangs.

During the protest, police officers formed a cordon at the building’s main entrance, while additional officers were stationed in the surrounding area.

More than 400 people have been detained since 28 November, among them Coalition for Change leader Nika Melia, who is now seven days through his 12-day administrative detention.

Russia foreign intelligence chief praises Georgia’s turn from ‘ultra-liberal transhumanist agenda’ 

The Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, Sergei Naryshkin, told Russian newspaper Razvedchik, that the US policy in the ‘post-Soviet space’ is failing, citing Georgian Dream’s victory according to the official results of the parliamentary elections as an example.

‘Having realised the harmfulness of a blind orientation toward the West, the Georgian authorities decided to act in their own interests and are now consciously moving away from the ultra-liberal transhumanist agenda imposed from outside, which is infinitely alien to traditional Georgian values’, he said.

Russia claims 15 of its citizens were detained in Georgia protests

RFE/RL has cited the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Georgia as stating that 15 Russian nationals were detained during the latest protests against the government’s decision to halt EU integration.

They reported that 13 were released, while two were given administrative detention, with their sentences ending on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

President warns Western partners cannot claim ignorance of Georgia’s turmoil

Zourabichvili has said that she has personally ensured her ‘EU colleagues’ and president-elect Donald Trump were informed about the ongoing crisis in Georgia.

‘I conveyed the same message to everyone: what is happening in Georgia today is unacceptable for any democratic country, and everyone must respond,’ she said. 

Noting her recent engagement with the EU member states, including through respective ambassadors in Georgia, Zourabichvili noted that she had delivered a ‘very strong message to their respective capitals, emphasising that the response to these events will determine not only Georgia’s future but […] will also shape the future of EU policy and trust in it.’

‘None of our partner countries or their leaders will be able to say, “I didn’t know,” after this,’ she added.

Zourabichvili accuses SSG of ‘psychological terror’ over warning of ‘fatal street protest and coup’

President Salome Zourabichvili has accused the State Security Service (SSG) of subjecting the public to ‘psychological terror’ with their statement earlier today. 

The SSG alleged that unnamed actors were planning to incite violence at street demonstrations on the day of presidential elections on 14 December, aiming to provoke fatalities to overthrow the government.

‘The SSG’s statement today should be considered a violation of human rights […] amounts to psychological terror directed at people’, Zourabichvili stated. 

President awards OC Media’s Nikuradze for ‘exemplary civil dedication, outstanding civic responsibility, and personal bravery’

President Salome Zourabichvili has awarded OC Media’s journalist and co-director with the Medal of Civil Dedication for her ‘exemplary civil dedication, outstanding civic responsibility, and personal bravery’.

‘You are truly standing guard over this country; you are the people who have taken into your hands not just a camera or a microphone but the future and destiny of this nation. For this, you too will be remembered in Georgia’s history […] as the heroes of today’s era’, Zourabichvili told a group of journalists before awarding them

‘If it weren’t for you, the people who aren’t out at the demonstrations […] wouldn’t know what’s happening outside […] Your dedication is incredibly important today, tomorrow, and always’, said Zourabichvili during the ceremony.

Lomjaria: we are providing information about police violence to international community

According to IPN, Nino Lomjaria, the founder of the Georgia’s European Orbit of the Civic Platform and former Public Defender, stated that since the protests began, ‘systematic torture, inhuman and degrading treatment of citizens has taken place.’

‘Hundreds of people, including journalists, have been subjected to torture and inhuman treatment. We want to tell the public that each such fact of torture, beatings, forcible detention of citizens, and physical violence against journalists is being documented by us’, she said. ‘We are also providing information about each fact to the international community.’

Youth ‘struck by tear gas canister’ awakens from induced coma

Aleksi Tirkia, who was injured during the pro-EU demonstration on 3 December in Tbilisi has been awakened from an induced coma, his aunt, Eka Tirkia, posted on Facebook.

The 21-year-old reportedly required emergency surgery after being struck in the head by a tear gas canister. On.ge quoted his attending physician as stating that he was admitted with an open scalp wound.

Publika journalist summoned by police for questioning

Mindia Gabadze, a Publika journalist, was summoned for questioning as a witness by the criminal police. It is not yet known why Gabadze was summoned for questioning, but the journalist requested to be questioned before a judge.

Gabadze posted on Facebook that he received the summons while he was in Tbilisi City Court to show support for OC Media’s co-founder and journalist Mariam Nikuradze, who is currently being questioned as a witness there.

Gabadze added that he might be questioned tomorrow.

Dozens demonstrate in Ozurgeti

Dozens of demonstrators are holding a protest in front of the Guria Police Headquarters in Ozurgeti, western Georgia. Police are mobilised at the scene, and nearby streets are blocked, local media reported.

The demonstrators brought photographs of those who were physically assaulted by the police during the demonstrations against the government’s decision to halt EU integration.

Tsilosani claims Herczyński is under political pressure

The Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Nino Tsilosani, has told journalists that ‘the pressure that a number of European politicians are putting on [EU Ambassador to Georgia] Paweł Herczyński, solely because he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs [of Georgia], Maka Bochorishvili, makes us think and gives us an idea of ​​how much political pressure this diplomat is subjected to’, local media reported.

Herczyński was criticised by several high ranking EU officials after meeting with Bochorishvili yesterday.

Public Defender: 225 out of 357 detained report ill-threatment

According to local media, the Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, has stated that out of 327 people detained during the protests whom they have met with, 225 have reported ill-treatment from law enforcement officers, while 157 reported physical injuries.

SSG: local actors using protests to ‘violently overthrow’ government 

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) has stated that according to their information, the ‘organisers of destructive and criminal actions’ are planning to prevent the Georgian presidential election process from taking place on 14 December.

‘As soon as the protest momentum of the ongoing rallies near the parliament building subsides, a certain group of local actors implementing a criminal plan becomes active, aiming to artificially increase the protest momentum among the population, which, in their opinion, should be used to violently overthrow the government’, the agency said.

According to the SSG, ‘the organisers of the crime are considering, especially on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week, as well as partially on Friday, to maximally escalate the situation, which should result in the deaths of two to three people’. 

‘With these sacrifices, they will try to increase the protest momentum, encourage radical sentiments, which, according to their intention, should develop into uncontrolled processes and be blamed on the government in a disguised way’, the SSG statement read.

GYLA: no law enforcement officer detained for violence

The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) has stated that since the large-scale protests in Georgia started on 28 November against the government’s EU U-turn, more than 30 citizens have been arrested under criminal law, all of whom have been sentenced to prison. 

‘However, none of the law enforcement officers who used violence against the protesters have been held accountable’.

‘Detainees point to violence, degrading treatment, and rights violations, which are largely ignored by judges’, the statement read.

Mediaombudsman: more than 70 journalists and camera operators injured

Local media advocacy group Mediaombudsman has stated that law enforcement agencies have injured more than 70 journalists and camera operators during pro-European integration rallies over the past 10 days. The Special Investigation Service has not yet identified any law enforcement officers who, according to them, have committed such actions.

The advocacy group also wrote that as the world celebrates International Human Rights Day today, the media in Georgia is fighting for freedom of expression.

Mariam Nikuradze summoned to court at 15:00

OC Media co-founder and co-director Mariam Nikuradze will give testimony as a witness in Tbilisi City Court today at 15:00 in the presence of a judge.

‘Today at [15:00] I have been summoned to court as a witness in the ongoing investigation under Articles 225 (organising, leading, or participating in group violence) and 239 (publicly calling for violent action)’, she wrote on Facebook.

EU to consider ‘additional measures’ as consequences for repression in Georgia

A EU External Action spokesperson has stated that the EU will consider additional measures at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council on 16 December, highlighting that ‘the recent repressive means used by Georgian authorities have consequences for our bilateral relations’.

‘The EU deplores these repressive actions against protesters, media representatives and opposition leaders and calls for the immediate release of all detained individuals. The EU demands an end to widespread intimidation, political persecution, reported torture and ill-treatment of citizens. Fundamental rights, such as the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, must be respected and safeguarded in line with Georgia's Constitution and international obligations’, the statement read. 

The statement called for all allegations of torture and ill-treatment to be ‘credibly investigated’ and encouraged local and international organisations, as well as the Public Defender, to ‘continue documenting the widespread violations of human rights in Georgia’.

‘We urge Georgian Dream to de-escalate and put an end to this environment that comes with severe costs for the Georgian people. Violence is not the answer to the protesters’ demands for Georgia’s democratic and European future’, the statement read.

Doctor sentenced to pre-trial detention, declares hunger strike

Local media has reported that Tbilisi City Court Judge Lela Maridashvili has sentenced doctor and popular vlogger Giorgi Akhobadze, who was arrested on the way home from an anti-government rally on 7-8 December, to two months in prison as a preventive measure.

Akhobadze’s lawyer, Lasha Tsutskiridze, has stated that his client has declared a hunger strike while in detention, alleging that police officers planted drugs on him while being frisked and searched during his arrest.

Giorgi Kakhiani: sanctions aren’t a problem

According to local media, the Chair of the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee, Giorgi Kakhiani, has stated that he is ‘sure that no sanctions will affect visa liberalisation’. 

‘If someone thinks about imposing individual sanctions, this is not a problem. We have said many times that if any representative of the Georgian Dream, who serves the interests of his country, is personally sanctioned for this, this will not be a problem for us’, he said.

‘The main thing is that this will not affect the population and we do not expect any sanctions in this regard. Let’s wait and see what decision the relevant structures will make, but it must be said that any decision regarding sanctions will be unfair’.

Mdinaradze claims sanctions incite violence

Georgian Dream’s Executive Secretary, Mamuka Mdinaradze, has, according to local media, stated that possible sanctions from the US would ‘incite violence’.

Yesterday, the US embassy in Georgia cited US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who stated that the US is preparing to use available measures, including sanctions, to ensure accountability for those responsible for violence and those who facilitate a violent environment.

‘We must tell them [the US] that it is precisely such baseless decisions made without any argumentation that incite every act of violence within the country. When you bring it out of thin air and make such unjust and baseless decisions in support of someone, in support of an agency, we should all know that it is precisely such decisions that incite violence, including the recent days on the streets of Tbilisi’, he said.

Parliamentary powers terminated for Bidzina Ivanishvili and other MPs

The Georgian Parliament has terminated the parliamentary powers of Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Irakli Gharibashvili, the party’s chair, and Mikheil Kavelashvili, who has been nominated for the post of president of Georgia, among others, in order for them to take other political positions.

According to local media, the parliamentary powers of members of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s Cabinet of Ministers — Irakli Kobakhidze, Anri Okhanashvili, Maka Bochorishvili, Mariam Kvrivishvili, and Davit Songhulashvili — were also terminated.

MIA: one person detained on criminal charges

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has detained one person on criminal charges of participating in group violence.

‘The investigation established that during the ongoing protests on Rustaveli Avenue, the accused participated in group violence, disobeyed law enforcement officers, and threw various objects at them’, their statement read.

The crime is punishable by up to six  years in prison. The statement released by the Interior Ministry does not specify where, when, or under what circumstances the arrest took place.

Tbilisi City Hall representatives threatened over anti-government petition

Local media has cited Saba Buadze, one of the leaders of the opposition group Strong Georgia, as saying that representatives of various structural units of Tbilisi City Hall are threatening employees who supported a petition against the decision to suspend accession negotiations with the EU until the end of 2028. According to Buadze, City Hall representatives are asking petition signatories to withdraw their signatures in exchange for a New Year bonus.

Joe Wilson calls for immediate sanctions

US Congressional Representative Joe Wilson has posted on X calling for ‘immediate sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili [the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party] and his Georgian Dream cronies’.

The illegitimate puppet government of Georgia continues to brutally crack down on Georgians. I urge immediate sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream cronies. We cannot stand by and allow Georgia to fall into dictatorship against the people’s will. #MEGOBARI

— Joe Wilson (@RepJoeWilson) December 9, 2024

Michael Roth: people are not demonstrating for more days off

German MP Michael Roth has called on high ranking EU leaders to visit Georgia to see the protests against the government’s EU U-turn first-hand.

‘The people there are not demonstrating for more days off or higher pensions but for our European values. Have you already forgotten?’ he wrote on X.

How about if one of you finally gets on a plane and flies to Tbilisi, dear @vonderleyen, @kajakallas, @MartaKosEU, Antonio Costa @EUCouncil?
The people there are not demonstrating for more days off or higher pensions but for our European values. Have you already forgotten?
🇬🇪🇪🇺

— Michael Roth - official 🇪🇺🇺🇦🇮🇱🇬🇪 (@MiRo_SPD) December 10, 2024

Annalena Baerbock: ‘We see you’

German Foreign Affairs Minister Annalena Baerbock has shared a video from the protests in Tbilisi on Instagram, noting in the caption that ‘We see you. The world is watching. Your courage is confidence — and an obligation for us to stand up for you’.

Baltic politicians criticise meeting between EU Ambassador and Georgia’s Foreign Minister

Baltic politicians have criticised yesterday’s meeting between EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, and the Georgian Dream government’s Foreign Minister, Maka Bochorishvili. 

Žygimantas Pavilionis, the Deputy Speaker of the Lithuanian Parliament, wrote on X shaming Herczyński, stating that the EU Delegation in Georgia does ‘not represent the EU’. 

Similarly, Marko Mihkelson, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament, called on the EU to ‘wake up’. 

Latvian MEP Rihards Kols, the former Chair of the Latvian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, also posted on X, calling Herczyński’s meeting with Bochorishvili ‘unacceptable’ and a ‘lifeline to the Kremlin’s Georgian Dream’.

Condemn a stolen election in Georgia one day, shake hands with the regime the next. Ambassador Herczynski’s handshake isn’t just a gesture—it’s a lifeline to the Kremlin’s Georgian Dream. How many times will the EU lend its credibility to their propaganda? Unacceptable.… https://t.co/1n2Empz5ZC

— Rihards Kols (@RihardsKols) December 10, 2024

Demonstration at MIA at 17:00

According to local media, a demonstration will be held at 17:00 near the Ministry of Internal Affairs headquarters in Tbilisi entitled ‘Freedom to the regime's prisoners!’, during which attendees will demand the release of those detained during the protests.

SJC: Saba Kevkhishvili physically abused by riot police

The human rights organisation Social Justice Centre (SJC) reported on Monday that protester Saba Kevkhishvili was physically abused by riot police officers in the early hours of 1 December after they dispersed a peaceful mass gathering on Rustaveli Avenue.

The organisation reported that as a result of the ‘brutal physical violence’ carried out by masked riot police officers, Kevkhishvili suffered facial injuries, including a fractured nose, jawbone, and eye socket and a concussion.

GYLA: 10 people detained in Tbilisi

The chair of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), Nona Kurdovanidze, has posted on Facebook that 10 people were detained in Tbilisi last night.

Kurdovanidze also stated that one of the detainees was arrested on criminal charges, but did not provide any specifics. 

Local media in turn has reported that in the early morning hours, at least five people were detained on the central streets of Tbilisi.

Key events from yesterday:

• UK Foreign Minister David Lammy announced that ’In light of ongoing events, the UK will immediately suspend all programme support to the Georgian government’.
• Protests resumed in several Georgian cities, including Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi. 
• Georgian Dream’s Executive Secretary, Mamuka Mdinaradze, announced a new legal initiative that would make it easier for the government to fire public employees.
• The government also announced new legislation that would ease the hiring of police officers and proposed penalties for violations related to the import, export, production, and sale of pyrotechnics.
• Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who was in Paris for the re-opening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, returned to Tbilisi.