We continue our live coverage of the fallout and widespread protests over Georgia’s EU accession U-turn.

• Help us hold power to account; Become an OC Media Member.
• Donate to our collective fundraiser to help Georgian media survive an authoritarian crackdown.

We’re ending our live coverage for now, but will be back later for more from Georgia.

As the free press in Georgia comes under attack, please consider becoming an OC Media member to help support our work.

Macron appeals to Georgians expressing support for their European aspirations, insisting ‘Europe is not blackmail, but acceptance of rules’

French President Emmanuel Macron appealed to Georgians in a special video address released on Friday night. 

In his address, subtitled in Georgian, Macron praised the Georgian people for their ‘European aspirations’ while also addressing what he described as misconceptions surrounding the conditionality of joining the EU.

Macron insisted that the EU offers a partnership based on mutual respect and shared values, rather than resorting to intimidation, threats, or undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, including Georgia.

‘The European Union carries a peace project, which has been at the heart of European construction since its inception. And it is not the European Union that launched an aggressive war against a sovereign state’, Macron insisted, in an apparent effort to contrast with Russia and alluding to the 2008 August War.

'Europe is not blackmail; it is the acceptance of rules [...] Georgia cannot hope to progress on its European path if peaceful demonstrations are repressed with disproportionate force, if civil society organisations, journalists, and opposition party members are harassed, and if freedoms of expression and assembly are not respected', Macron stated, adding that an 'open, respectful dialogue' is needed in Georgia.

Multiple protest marches converge on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi

Several protest marches, organised by professional and industry groups, have gathered outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, renewing the sixteenth day of demonstrations at the usual location.

Separate marches through the streets of Tbilisi were held today by groups of psychologists, social workers, faculty staff and students of social and political sciences at Tbilisi State University, lawyers, medics, winemakers, club industry representatives, a combined march representing the IT industry, financial, and marketing sectors, as well as immigrants currently present in the country.

'Today, 1,500 demonstrators from 48 professions gathered on Rustaveli Avenue', Georgian Dream's Executive Secretary Mamuka Mdinaradze said soon after, mocking the gathering in order to downplay the number of protesters. Photos and videos captured by OC Media indicate crowds of significantly higher size. 

Special Investigation Service requests personal data and unedited footage from Kutaisi Post following protest coverage

Kutaisi Post, an online news outlet focused on the Imereti region in western Georgia, reported that the Special Investigation Service (SIS) requested unedited video footage they had allegedly recorded of the anti-government protest held near the Georgian Dream offices in Kutaisi on 28 November. 

Kutaisi Post said the SIS had asked them to also ‘provide the names and demographic data of the employees/journalists of Kutaisi Post [...] who were present’ there ‘at the specified time and/or covered the protest rally’.

In a written appeal published by Kutaisi Post, the SIS stated that it was investigating an abuse of power related to the detention of a protester by police officers.

In their reporting, Kutaisi Post stated that they required further clarification regarding the request for their employees’ personal data.

While the mandate of the SIS is to investigate abuse of power by officials, it has faced criticism for failing to deliver results on numerous alleged cases, a shortcoming that critics argue has undermined its credibility.

Club, electronic music industry members stage protest in Tbilisi

Figures from the electronic music scene and local club culture gathered today at Marjanishvili Square in Tbilisi to call for new parliamentary elections and the release of individuals detained during recent anti-government protests.

In their joint announcement, protest organisers also condemned anti-queer legislation recently adopted by Georgian Dream. 

‘As a sign of protest, Tbilisi’s club scene has been on strike for over two weeks, with its strength and energy now directed toward the city’s streets’, the statement read. 

They later marched with accompanying music to join the usual evening protest site outside the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue.

Zourabichvili calls the planned presidential election a ‘parody’, hails the rallying public employees 

In a press conference this evening, President Salome Zourabichvili called the presidential election planned for tomorrow by the ruling Georgian Dream party and the Central Election Commission a ‘parody’. 

‘I’m not sure whether to call it a provocation or a parody. Perhaps more of a parody, as this will be an event entirely devoid of legitimacy; it will be unconstitutional, and illegitimate’, she stated. 

But Zourabichvili did call another event planned in Tbilisi for tomorrow – the lighting of a Christmas tree outside the parliament – ‘a senseless provocation’. She described the announcement by Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze to hold the event ‘at that location, tomorrow, precisely at 19:00, right in front of the parliament’ as his bid to test the public’s reaction. 

‘No matter what happens, if anything does, the responsibility will rest entirely on him, personally on him’, Zourabichvili warned, after offering to relocate the event in front of her presidential palace in Tbilisi. 

In her speech, Zourabichvili reiterated that a re-do of the parliamentary election is the only solution out of the current crisis. 

‘There is no other peaceful way […] If anyone in this country wants peace, if anyone wants us to emerge from this crisis victorious in any form, there is only one path — that path is through elections’.

Poland's parliament and senate disinvite Georgian lawmakers from upcoming conference

Agnieszka Pomaska, Chair of the EU Affairs Committee in the Polish Parliament, and Tomasz Grodzki, Marshal of the Senate and Chair of its EU Affairs Committee, announced the withdrawal of invitations for Georgian lawmakers to attend the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of EU member states’ legislatures as observers, citing the Georgian authorities’ ‘blatant violation of democratic standards’. The conference is slated for 26-27 January, to be hosted by Poland, which by then will be assuming the rotating EU Council presidency. 

‘We stand on the side of those who defend democracy, freedom and human rights. We send a clear message: we do not agree to violate these values. And we remain convinced that Georgia deserves a place in our European Community’, Pomaska added.

🇪🇺🇬🇪Together with the Senate Chairman @profGrodzki we have decided to withdraw the invitation to the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of the EU (COSAC) for the Georgian Chairman. The representatives of the Georgian authorities decided to break the EU… pic.twitter.com/W5tTj644aX

— Agnieszka Pomaska (@pomaska) December 13, 2024

Opposition Strong Georgia member detained in Zugdidi

Police have detained Tengiz Kochua, a member of the Lelo party, which is part of the broader Strong Georgia opposition coalition, during an anti-government demonstration in the western city of Zugdidi. 

Supporters attempted, but failed, to prevent a group of police officers from arresting him outside the Governor’s Office in Zugdidi today. 

Earlier today, before arriving at the regional government’s offices, protesters staged a car rally in the city.

OSCE Troika condemns ‘violent response’ by Georgian authorities to peaceful protests

The OSCE Troika, made up of Malta, North Macedonia, and Finland, have released a joint statement saying that they ‘strongly condemn the Georgian authorities’ violent response to peaceful protests by Georgian civil society, independent media, and politicians, who are standing up for the country’s democratic future’.

They urged the Georgian authorities to ‘immediately cease’ the use of repressive tactics and intimidation, including arbitrary detention and physical violence. 

‘Laws adopted in contradiction with these commitments must be repealed. All allegations of violence, election fraud, and attacks against democratic values and principles must be credibly investigated, and all those responsible for these crimes must be held to account’.

The Troika stated they encourage the Georgian authorities to make use of the various tools and expertise the OSCE and its institutions can offer and said they are ready to facilitate any exchange to this end.

Zourabichvili to hold briefing at 20:00

According to local media, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili will hold a briefing at 20:00.

It is not known what the president will make a statement about.

Demonstrators gather near TV Imedi building 

Dozens of demonstrators gathered near the headquarters of pro-government TV Imedi, holding photos of journalists violently abused by the law enforcement officers during the ongoing demonstrations, as well as displaying banners saying ‘stop the anti-European propaganda’, ‘cover the truth’, ‘TV Imedi, do not encourage violence’.

EU officials to discuss ‘possible new measures’ toward Georgia on Monday

RFE/RL’s Europe Editor, Rikard Jozwiak, said that EU officials will discuss ‘possible new measures to be taken’ during a meeting on Monday. 

Senior 🇪🇺 official says there will be discussions on 🇬🇪 on Monday among the bloc's foreign ministers and "possible new measures to be taken."

— Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) December 13, 2024

Parliament approves law depriving Zourabichvili of state protection

The parliament adopted a legislative package on the third reading that will strip President Salome Zourabichvili of state protection after the termination of her mandate.

SIS comments on investigation of attack on TV Pirveli journalists

According to the Special Investigation Service (SIS), the Prosecutor’s Office has recognised TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze and cameraperson Giorgi Shetsiruli to be victims of a crime, in connection with an attack on the outlet’s journalists earlier in December. 

In addition, the SIS stated that within the framework of the ongoing investigation into the attack on TV Pirveli employees, video camera recordings have been seized, forensic examinations have been ordered, and searches have been conducted at the homes of four people.

On 7 December, the crew of the TV Pirveli’s show ‘Nodar Meladzis Shabati’ (‘Nodar Meladze’s Saturday’) were attacked during a live broadcast as they covered the assaults by masked individuals on demonstrators near Rustaveli Avenue.

On that evening, a number of Georgian citizens attending a pro-EU demonstration on Tbilisi’s central Rustaveli Avenue, as well as journalists covering the protests, were violently attacked by groups of unidentified, masked individuals commonly referred to as ‘titushki’ — a Ukrainian slang term used to describe plainclothes security forces used to attack government critics.

13 organisations begin documenting ‘crimes and other forms of repression’

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) said that it, along with 12 civil society and human rights organisations, has started documenting ‘crimes and other forms of repression’.

GYLA reported that ‘when all state institutions in the country refuse to enforce justice, it is the duty of civil society to collect evidence and help victims seek justice’.

‘We appeal to every victim – we are with you’, the statement read, adding that the provided information and identities will be treated confidentially.

GYLA said, ‘If you have experienced or witnessed a human rights violation, please fill out this form’ – https://shorturl.at/z7hdu or contact them via E-mail: [email protected].

Georgian Dream’s amendments adopted

According to Publika, the parliamentary majority has adopted a package of laws that prohibits the use of pyrotechnics and lasers at rallies, as well as wearing masks. It also toughens a number of administrative penalties, and changes the rules for hiring people to work in the police.

The Georgian Dream party considered the legislative package in an expedited manner and adopted it in three days.

A law passed by parliament must be signed by the president in order to enter into force. Otherwise, it will be signed by the speaker of parliament.

EU Ambassador: ‘Businesses deeply worried about this shift’ away from EU

The EU’s representation in Georgia reported that the EU Ambassador Paweł Herczyński met with representatives of Georgian businesses at a meeting organised by the European Business Association. 

Herczyński ‘shared regret over Georgian Dream’s shift away from the EU and its values, highlighting the dire consequences this is having on the EU’s relations with Georgia’. 

‘Businesses are deeply worried about this shift’, he said.

‘We urge the ruling party to de-escalate and put an end to the brutal and unlawful use of force against peaceful protesters, media representatives and opposition leaders that has severe consequences for all Georgians and the Georgian economy’.

Subari becomes Vice Speaker of Parliament

MP Sozar Subari, representing the People’s Power party, which formally split from the ruling Georgian Dream, was elected as the Vice Speaker of Parliament under the quota reserved for the opposition.

Today, People’s Power announced that it is leaving the majority to become a nominal opposition party vis-a-vis Georgian Dream. The move is widely thought to be motivated by a desire from Georgian Dream to deflect criticism that is operating in a one-party parliament, as the four major opposition parties have boycotted the new parliament. 

Patriarch Ilia II calls for an end to violence

Patriarch Ilia II, the head of the Georgian Orthodox Church, said that dialogue is necessary to prevent uncontrolled processes in the country, although he did not specify between whom the dialogue should take place. 

The statement was shared by the patriarchate of the Georgian Orthodox Church.

According to Patriarch Ilia II, an escalation of the situation threatens ‘the main achievement of the country – statehood and sovereignty!’

‘My spiritual children, the events that have developed in the country over the past few days clearly demonstrate that it is necessary for each of us to make caring for peace a duty’, the statement read.

‘Every person – big or small – must distance themselves from violence and realise that in our difficult times, a sharp escalation of the situation poses a real threat to the main achievement of the country – statehood and sovereignty!’

Patriarch Ilia II said Georgia is an integral part of European civilisation and ‘it is our duty to contribute to the strengthening and development of a European-type national state based on our centuries-old Christian spiritual and cultural heritage and traditional values’.

Actor Nakashidze fined for ‘disobeying police’

According to media, Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Enukidze found actor Giorgi Nakashidze, who was held administratively liable, guilty of disobeying a police officer’s request and imposed a fine of ₾2,000 ($700).

At the same time, Judge Enukidze terminated Nakashidze’s charges of petty hooliganism.

Nakashidze was arrested during a protest on 3 December on Rustaveli Avenue.

Demonstrators detained by police

According to local media, two human right defenders, Mikheil Gaprindashvili and Guga Gugutishvili, were detained by law enforcement officers.

The opposition aligned TV Pirveli reported that Gugutishvili was detained while returning home by taxi. He is accused of disobeying the police.

Gaprindashvili has been accused of shining flashlights at surveillance cameras.

Demonstrators from different sectors hold rallies

According to the local media, representatives from Tbilisi’s IT, HR, and financial sectors, among other groups, have united on Rustaveli Avenue and are leading a march towards Republic Square. 

The participants of the protest are demanding the release of citizens detained during the ongoing protests and are calling for new elections.

Read our latest feature on systematic police brutality

Read firsthand accounts of the systematic police brutality enacted against Georgians demonstrating in Tbilisi as covered by Mariam Bogveradze in her feature article: ‘When we get in the minibus, the fun will start’ — How Georgian police torture detained protesters

Over 450 protesters have been detained during the two weeks of mass protests against the halting of Georgia’s EU membership bid. According to local civil society organisations and the Public Defender’s Office, the vast majority of detainees have experienced violence at the hands of the police.

Georgian civil society appeals to European Commission

Over 15 leaders within Georgian civil society have appealed to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and the foreign ministers of EU member states to address the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting scheduled to take place on 16 December.

They further urged the EU to not recognise the ‘illegitimate government of Bidzina Ivanishvili’; to ‘impose sanctions’ on Ivanishvili, the Georgian Dream leadership, and any officials responsible for ‘establishing and perpetuating this authoritarian system’; revoke the visas of diplomatic passports; and to extend ‘robust support’ to Georgian civil society and independent media, ‘which remain vital to resisting authoritarianism and safeguarding democratic values’. 

letter from 🇬🇪 civil society reps to 🇪🇺 foreign policy chief Kallas asking her to allow them to address the EU foreign affairs council in Brussels on 16 Dec + impose sanctions, suspend visa lib for diplomatic passport & ask to re-run the Oct elections pic.twitter.com/MYEMhBwM8l

— Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) December 13, 2024

MIA: around 150 law enforcement officers have injuries

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze has told reporters that more than 150 police officers were injured during the demonstrations. He noted that most of them had both lacerations and burns, ‘most likely [caused] by fireworks’.

Darakhvelidze claimed that the Parliament’s upcoming ban on the use of fireworks at demonstrations was a ‘very correct regulation’.

People’s Power leaves parliamentary majority to become ‘healthy opposition’

According to IPN, Guram Macharashvili, an MP from the People’s Power party, has announced that they are leaving the parliamentary majority and moving into the opposition.

Macharashvili stated that the party made the decision because, according to him, there is practically no healthy opposition in the country and ‘we have a so-called radical opposition funded by foreign forces’.

The People’s Power MPs entered parliament on the parliamentary list of the ruling Georgian Dream party. One of their party members, Mikheil Kavelashvili, was nominated by Georgian Dream as the sole candidate in the presidential elections.

Tougher sanctions for protest actions

According to local media, a number of amendments to the Administrative Offences Code of Georgia to increase fines and introduce additional penalties has been adopted in the first two readings in Parliament. The third reading is set to take place today, during which Parliament is expected to officially adopt the amendments. 

According to the draft legislation, the fines for damaging the appearance of the city will increase from ₾50 ($20) to ₾1,000 ($355); responsibility for blocking roads will lead to the current ₾1,000 ($355) fine with an additional one year driving suspension; the fine for violating the norms of assemblies and demonstrations will increase from ₾500 ($180) to ₾5,000 ($1,800) and in the case of organisers from ₾5,000 ($1,800) to ₾15,000 ($5,300); and a fine of ₾2,000 ($700) will be established for illegally wearing the uniform and attributes of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. 

Rustaveli blocked

Hundreds of demonstrators from the IT/Tech spheres are marching from Republic Square towards the Georgian Parliament.

The demonstrators have occupied both sides of Rustaveli Avenue, which is currently blocked.

The protest participants are demanding the release of citizens detained during the ongoing protests and the holding of new elections.

Papuashvili: US administration is ‘spoiling relations’ with Georgia

According to local media, Georgian Dream parliamentary speaker Shalva Papuashvili has responded to the visa restrictions imposed by the US, stating that the ‘passing’ US administration is ‘spoiling relations with an important partner like Georgia’.

Local media reported that Papuashvili claimed ‘the position of the passing administration is incomprehensible and short-sighted’.

‘This is an administration that lost the elections, their mandate is expiring and despite this, on behalf of the American people, they are spoiling relations with an important partner like Georgia and this is, of course, very worrying’, he said.

Caucasian Knot correspondent faces deportation

Beslan Kmuzov, a correspondent of the media outlet Caucasian Knot, has been summoned to the Georgian migration service after being detained at an anti-government protest in Tbilisi. 

Kmuzov was detained on 7 December after taking photos on Rustaveli Avenue during a protest dispersal. According to Caucasian Knot, law enforcement officers detained several people at this time, one of whom was severely beaten, and took away Kmuzov’s mobile phone. 

‘They have a selfish motive. They are looting, and they have even stolen the shoes of one of the detainees’, Kmuzov reported at the time. 

On 8 December, a court sentenced Kmuzov to pay a fine. 

According to Kmuzov’s lawyer, Giorgi Kvashilava, it is not clear why the migration service is summoning Kmuzov. 

‘Perhaps they will stop the proceedings against him, because Beslan Kmuzov stays legally in the country’, Kvashilava told Caucasian Knot. He noted, however, that there was likely a direct relation between the journalist’s detention and the subsequent summons to the migration service.

Kmuzov has permanent residence in Georgia and is married to a Georgian citizen. However, according to Caucasian Knot, he fears that he may be deported to Russia as he had dual citizenship. 

Nobel Peace Prize Winner addresses Georgian protests

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Maria Ressa has released a video demanding ‘the release of activists abused in jail’ and stating her ‘solidarity with Georgians peacefully protesting for a better future’. 

Nobel Prize Winner @mariaressa addressed #GeorgianProtests:

"I'm Maria Ressa and we are watching what's happening in Georgia closely. There have been at least 10 days of protest that has set its pro Russian government against Georgian citizens who want the membership of the… pic.twitter.com/xKaxmK5zJp

— Katie Shoshiashvili (@KShoshiashvili) December 12, 2024

Presidential elections tomorrow

Speaker of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili has stated that the presidential elections will be held tomorrow from 09:00-14:00 and that the Central Election Commission will be organising the process.

The ruling Georgian Dream party appointed only one candidate for this post, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Georgian football player and member of the People’s Power faction.

Kavelashvili has made a name for himself in the public eye by swearing, using hate speech, and making anti-Western statements. No document confirming his higher education can be found in public sources.

Parents will be fined instead of minors in cases of disobeying the police

IPN reported that according to new amendments to the law, the disobedience by a minor to the lawful request of a law enforcement officer will result in a fine for the parent. In such a case, the parent or legal representative of the minor will be fined from ₾100 ($35) to ₾300 ($100).

According to media, the legislative amendments were adopted by the Parliament in two readings and will be approved in a third reading at today’s session.

Detained demonstrator speaks about torture by law enforcement officers

A 20-year-old protester, Luka Bardavelidze, has spoken at a hearing at the Tbilisi City Court about violence by police forces, stating that Interior Ministry’s officers had threatened him with sexual violence.

‘They threatened to rape me, to kill me […] I couldn’t breathe [in the car], Madam Judge, and I asked them to give me some air [...] Whoever opened the door insulted my family, and then they beat me again,’ he said.

‘Then they told me […] that they would strip me naked, film me, and rape me’.

According to local media, Bardavelidze was arrested on 4 December, near the Georgian Technical University, after the rally had already ended.

Local media reported that the judge, Lela Tsagareishvili, had no reaction to his story and found Bardavelidze guilty on an administrative basis.

US imposes additional visa restrictions on Georgian officials

Amid the ongoing pro-European protests in Georgia, the US State Department has imposed visa restrictions on around twenty more Georgian citizens, including ministers, MPs, law enforcement and security officials, and private citizens. 

Their identities have not been specified. The US State Department also announced that they are ‘preparing additional actions, including sanctions, to hold to account those who undermine democracy in Georgia’.

‘The United States strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party’s ongoing, brutal, and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, including protesters, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures’, the statement read.

‘Georgian Dream has turned away from Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic future, which the Georgian people overwhelmingly desire and the Georgian constitution envisions. We are committed to seeing that senior officials responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy will be subject to visa restrictions’.

Around 20 demonstrations planned today

Around 20 demonstrations are planned to take place today by different groups in Georgia against the government’s EU U-turn.

Key events from yesterday:

• A delegation of European Parliament members joined the anti-government protest on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi yesterday evening after meeting with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, opposition members, civil society organisations, and journalists.
• Georgia’s IT sector held a march which was joined by artists and musicians, blocking traffic across the city. 
• Tbilisi Mayor and General Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream Party Kakha Kaladze announced the main Christmas tree in the capital will be lit on 14 December at 19:00.
• Labour MP Blair McDougall called for the UK government to consider opening an investigation into the UK-based company that owns Georgian pro-government TV station Imedi.