We continue our live coverage of the fallout and widespread protests that came in the wake of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement on Thursday that Georgia would be halting its EU accession process until the end of 2028. Spontaneous protests immediately broke out shortly after he made the remarks, which were violently suppressed by riot police in Tbilisi and other cities. 

We’re ending our live coverage for now, but will be back later for more from Georgia. You can read a summary of the day’s events here.

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

Footage has emerged of riot police kicking a man unconscious during the dispersal on Rustaveli Avenue. The victim is reported to be stand up comedian Onise Chkheidze.

Venezuelan opposition leader: ‘Don’t let Georgia follow Venezuela’s path!’

Exiled Venezuelan opposition figure Leopoldo López has reshared Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili’s post about the ongoing street protests in Tbilisi on his X page, expressing his support.

López called on prominent Western and EU leaders, including US President Joe Biden and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to support the Georgian people.

‘The world is watching while Putin gains more territory and influence […] Democracies must support democracies. Do not let Georgia follow Venezuela’s path. Stand with the Georgian people’, he wrote. 

What is happening in #Georgia mirrors the tragedy of #Venezuela: mass election theft and an anti-constitutional power grab. Yet again, the people’s fire and democratic spirit light up the streets in protest, demanding freedom and justice.

But where is the action from the leaders… https://t.co/bPiT14Um80

— Leopoldo López (@leopoldolopez) November 29, 2024

PACE condemns police brutality 

On Friday, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) released a statement in which they ‘strongly condemned’ the police actions against the protesters in Tbilisi, which they described as ‘the brutal repression of the peaceful demonstrations’, calling it a ‘violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly’.

‘The Assembly urges Georgia to remain faithful to European values and to fully comply with its obligations and commitments as a member state of the Council of Europe’, the statement read. 

PACE also criticised the Georgian government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks as a failure to uphold their electoral promises, noting that ‘it could significantly hinder key reforms needed to strengthen Georgia’s rule of law and democratic institutions’.

Four journalists from pro-government media group reportedly resign 

Four journalists from the pro-government TV channel Rustavi 2 have reportedly resigned in protest against the police violence and the government’s EU U-turn.

‘The rot begins from within!  Now it’s the Public Broadcaster’s turn!’, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili said in response to the news, encouraging similar protests among employees of the Georgian Public Broadcaster. 

‘A journalist should not tolerate the brutal assault of their fellow journalist’, Zourabichvili added.

Both the privately owned Rustavi 2 and the publicly funded Georgian Public Broadcaster are widely seen by media watchdogs as being either sympathetic to or under the control of the government.

At 05:00 in Georgia, the protests continue unabated. Protestors are continuing to face off with riot police behind a barricade on Tbilisi's Rustaveli Avenue.

🔴 Live updates: https://t.co/TxKSkuOLwK pic.twitter.com/k6yt6YbB3R

— OC Media (@OCMediaorg) November 30, 2024

Georgian Police are continuing to deploy water cannons and tear gas against protesters along Rustaveli Avenue.

‘Over 60’ detained

Nona Kurdovanidze, chair of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, has reported that a hotline established by a network of rights groups had received information about ‘over 60’ detainees over the last two days’ protests. She added that lawyers are still working to locate some of them.

Georgian Dream office vandalised in Tbilisi

A protester has climbed onto the balcony of a Georgian Dream office on Rustaveli Avenue, removed the party flag, and smashing the windows.

Protesters remain on the street after being pushed back from the areas surrounding the parliament building.

Arrests in Batumi as protests continue

Police in Batumi have reportedly detained three protesters, including a minor, during ongoing protests in city. 

The local news outlet Batumelebi reported riot police mobilising near the Adjara Government Building, where the detentions occurred, as well as near the Constitutional Court offices.

Located along the Black Sea coast in Western Georgia, Batumi is Georgia’s second largest city.

Protesters erect barricades

Protesters have again erected flaming barricades on Rustaveli Avenue, using street bins and terrace seating tents from nearby restaurants. They are also continuing to launch fireworks towards riot police.

TI Georgia calls on police to defect

The local rights group Transparency International Georgia have called on police units ‘not to carry out the unlawful orders of an illegitimate government and to stand with the Georgian people in defense of our European future’.

Second Publika reporter attacked by police

The Georgian online media outlet Publika has reported that a riot police officer struck their reporter, Ana Mskhaladze, on the head after forcing her to drop her phone, and then took it while she was documenting the riot police ‘violently’ detaining protesters. They said she identified herself as a journalist.

Yesterday, Publika journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili was arrested and beaten by masked police.

Police and protesters are clashing along Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue as police attempt to disperse the demonstration.

Police officers beat protesters and made several arrests, while protesters pelted them with objects.

Riot police have moved in to clear the area in front of parliament.

Riot police have moved in to clear the area in front of the Georgian parliament.

🔴 Live updates: https://t.co/TxKSkuOLwK pic.twitter.com/CvwTIVO7x7

— OC Media (@OCMediaorg) November 29, 2024

Interior Ministry declares protest unlawful

Shortly after deploying riot police and water cannons on Rustaveli Avenue in front of the parliament building, the Interior Ministry issued a statement declaring that the protests no longer fell within the legal framework for assemblies and demonstrations.

‘The public clearly witnessed the violent, unlawful actions of the protesters on live television broadcasts. Law enforcement officers used special measures established by law to de-escalate the situation’, said the Ministry. They did not comment on the repeated incidents of riot police swearing at protesters through their sound system, telling them ‘fuck your mothers’.

Government critic ‘deliberately targeted with rubber bullet’

Georgian lawyer and prominent government critic Saba Brachveli, who suffered a facial injury near the parliament today, claimed that police officers ‘deliberately’ shot him in the face with a rubber bullet shortly after taking photos of him.

Brachveli had criticised the police’s actions during yesterday’s protests, stating on his Facebook profile that police that used unjustified force against peaceful protesters were ‘bastards’ that did not deserve respect.

Protesters outside the Georgian Parliament are dancing to music and firing the occasional firework as a standoff with riot police continues.

TV Pirveli reporter hospitalised

TV Pirveli reporter Mariam Gaprindashvili has reportedly been hospitalised after sustaining a visible head injury while covering the detention of protesters near the parliament building in Tbilisi.

 

Georgian Church urges police and protesters to remain peaceful

Amidst the ongoing confrontation around parliament building, the Patriarchate of the Georgian Orthodox Church have released a statement saying that the events unfolded since last night on Rustaveli Avenue were causing them ‘pain and concern’ and criticised both protesters and riot police for resorting to violence.

Referring to the actions of the police, the Church stated that ‘they were physically assaulting protesters, […] including journalists, whose primary professional duty is to document facts and disseminate objective information’.

‘We urge both the authorities and representatives of law enforcement agencies, as well as all other members of the public actively expressing their protest, to refrain from aggressive and offensive actions, as well as physical and verbal confrontations’, the statement read.

Riot police have pushed protesters down from the side entrance of parliament.

Protesters attempt to break through gates of parliament

Protesters are attempting to break through the gates of the Georgian parliament.

President Zourabichvili: It looks like nobody is ready to put up with Russified Georgia

In a televised address, President Salome Zourabichvili described the protests sparked by the government’s decision yesterday to ‘halt’ the EU accession process as an ‘unprecedented movement’.

‘It’s evident in every way that no one is willing to accept a Russified Georgia, a Georgia stripped of its constitution, or a Georgia in the hands of an illegitimate government and parliament.’

‘I can say today that the resistance movement has begun’, Zourabichvili said, describing it as self-organised and ‘spontaneous’ in pursuit of returning Georgia to its EU path through a re-run of last month’s parliamentary elections. 

She hailed a series of joining statements by employees of various public institutions throughout the day against the government. She also spoke about protests organised across the country, as well as those by diaspora groups including in Berlin, Paris, Washington, Poznan, Brussels, and Strasbourg. 

‘This is a huge movement that has begun in the public sector and that will engulf all of Georgia’, she said. 

Zourabichvili also thanked Georgian patrol police for their service, while warning other units — seemingly referring to masked riot police — ‘not to raise a hand’ against protesters. 

Norway’s and Denmark condemn crackdown on protesters

Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has commented on last night's crackdown on protesters in Tbilisi by saying he was ‘deeply disturbed by the use of brutal force against peaceful protesters & media workers in Georgia’.

He also expressed regret over the Georgian government’s decision to halt the EU accession process, which he described as the ‘main vehicle for [Georgia's] democracy reform’. 

‘We support the people’s will for a European path’, Eide wrote on the X platform. 

I’m deeply disturbed by the use of brutal force against peaceful protesters & media workers in Georgia.

I regret the Georgian government's decision to halt efforts for EU accession, a main vehicle for 🇬🇪 democracy reform.

We support the people’s will for a European path.

— Espen Barth Eide (@EspenBarthEide) November 29, 2024

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Denmark was ‘appalled by reports of the excessive use of violence against pro-European protesters & journalists’.

‘Denmark stands firmly with the Georgian people. Their democratic & fundamental rights have to be respected.’

DK FM @larsloekke: "Denmark is appalled by reports of the excessive use of violence against pro-European protesters & journalists in Georgia. Denmark stands firmly with the Georgian people. Their democratic & fundamental rights have to be respected."

— Denmark MFA 🇩🇰 (@DanishMFA) November 29, 2024

Water cannons used

Riot police have begun to use water cannons against protesters outside the Georgian Parliament. Police also swore at protesters through the sound system, telling them ‘fuck your mothers’.

Riot police have begun to use water cannons against protesters outside the Georgian Parliament. Police also swore at protesters through the sound system, telling them ‘fuck your mothers’.

🔴 Live updates: https://t.co/TxKSkuOLwK pic.twitter.com/Js1OsdioNA

— OC Media (@OCMediaorg) November 29, 2024

Georgian health workers criticise the government

Nika Khachidze, from Georgia’s National Centre for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), has published a letter on behalf of 113 colleagues expressing their support for maintaining ‘European and Euro-Atlantic integration’ as a key priority in Georgia’s foreign policy.

‘Removing the opening of EU accession negotiations from the political agenda until 2028 contradicts the requirements of Article 78 of Georgia’s Constitution and will harm the country’s progress’, the joint statement read.

Riot police issue warning

Riot police have issued a warning after protesters began throwing firecrackers towards officers behind the Georgian parliament building.

Tens of thousands of people continue to gather outside parliament, with a larger number of protesters than yesterday. 

The protest has so far proceeded peacefully, however the atmosphere remains tense, with some incidents of protesters throwing objects at riot police. Some officers also appear to be on edge, occasionally responding to protesters with obscene gestures.

Poland ‘disappointed’ with Georgian Dream’s decision

Poland's Foreign Ministry have stated that they’re  ‘disappointed with the decision of Georgia’s authorities to suspend talks with [the EU] on opening accession negotiations’.

Protesters in Batumi have gathered at the Adjara Public Broadcaster, demanding fair coverage

Crowds have gathered outside the offices of the Adjara Public Broadcaster, a publicly funded media outlet, demanding neutral and live coverage of other anti-government protest rallies, rather than, as some have alleged, labelling protesters as ‘radicals’.

Protesters have also gathered near Batumi City Hall, with some climbing the outside of the building to wave Georgian and EU flags.

🎥 Inspiring Footage from Batumi City Hall, where opposition activists have entered the building to hang the European flag inside. No fear anywhere. Only determination. 🇬🇪🇪🇺💪 pic.twitter.com/jaipG3Anfk

— Alexandre Crevaux-Asatiani (@CrevauxAsatiani) November 29, 2024

Key streets in Batumi were filled with protesters earlier today, briefly paralysing access to the city.

🟥 Protesters are marching through the streets of Batumi.

🟥 Citizens here, along with those in the capital and other cities, are protesting for the 2nd day against GD's decision to halt #Georgia's EU membership bid.#GeorgiaProtests pic.twitter.com/NbBIFqbQWj

— ბათუმელები • Batumelebi.ge (@Batumelebi_ge) November 29, 2024

Finland’s foreign minister condemns Georgia’s halting of EU accession and violence against protesters

Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has expressed her disappointment over the Georgian government's decision to ‘halt their EU process — against the people's will’. 

Disappointed by the decision of the Georgian government to halt their EU process - against the people’s will. We still see the Georgian people’s future in a free and democratic society. Strongly condemn any violent action against peaceful protesters. Georgia is Europe.

— Elina Valtonen (@elinavaltonen) November 29, 2024

Rustaveli Avenue blocked again

Tens of thousands of protesters have once again gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi outside the Georgian parliament building, blocking traffic.

Demo is already sizable as of now. pic.twitter.com/QlF0mLuLba

— Mariam Nikuradze (@mari_nikuradze) November 29, 2024

A group of protesters resumed banging fists and various objects on the iron barricade at the front entrance of the parliament, using the noise as a form of protest.

Efforts to brak the barrier of the parliament resumed today. pic.twitter.com/lWRDEgAJTF

— Mariam Nikuradze (@mari_nikuradze) November 29, 2024

The electrical wiring on the wall of the parliament building has been seen on fire, which could potentially impact the functionality of the CCTV cameras installed on the building’s facade.

Latvian President shows solidarity with Zourabichvili and the Georgian people

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has posted on X in support of Georgia’s European path, calling for the right to peaceful assembly to be ‘fully respected’.

Georgia has European dream and European future. Latvia has always supported democratic Georgia’s European path, always will. My full solidarity with the people of Georgia and President @Zourabichvili_S. The right for peaceful demonstrations and protest must be fully respected.

— Edgars Rinkēvičs (@edgarsrinkevics) November 29, 2024

Tbilisi’s clubbing scene cancels Friday events, urging all to join protests

Tbilisi’s leading electronic music venues — Bassiani, Khidi, Left Bank, Mtkvarze, Tbilis Orgia, and Tes — have released a joint statement announcing the cancellation of their Friday night events, stating that ‘the energy gathered on the dancefloor should now move to the streets’. 

‘We call on every citizen of the country to unconditionally join the nationwide civil disobedience demonstrations in all cities of Georgia’, their statement read.

UK State Minister for Europe condemns police violence against protesters

Stephen Doughty, the UK Minister of State for Europe, has expressed ‘deep concern’ over the ‘excessive use of force by Georgian police against peaceful protesters exercising legitimate democratic rights’, in reference to last night’s crackdown on the pro-EU demonstration in Tbilisi.

‘Georgian authorities must take immediate steps to de-escalate [the] situation & fully respect rights of peaceful protestors’, Doughty wrote on the X platform.

Deeply concerned by reports of excessive use of force by Georgian police against peaceful protesters exercising legitimate democratic rights.

Georgian authorities must take immediate steps to de-escalate situation & fully respect rights of peaceful protestors.@UKinGeorgia

— Stephen Doughty MP (@SDoughtyMP) November 29, 2024

Estonian MFA condemns Georgian Dream’s EU reversal and police violence

Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, criticised Georgian Dream’s statement yesterday on the halting of the EU accession process in a special address today, calling it ‘the final step and proof that they have lied to the people of Georgia, mainly to their voters, who hoped and believed that the country would move towards the European Union during the rule of Georgian Dream’.

Tsahkna said the police conduct against protesters last night in Tbilisi was 'absolutely unacceptable'. 

Georgian Dream ‘aims to gain control over the country by lying and intimidation, and align Georgia with Russia instead of the European Union. Yesterday’s decision was the formal finalisation of this policy’, the statement read.

Riot police mobilised

According to Mtavari Arkhi, riot police officers have been mobilised on Liberty Square.

Pro-EU and anti-government protests resurface nationwide

Protesters have gathered this evening across various Georgian cities and towns, including the western cities of Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi, the town of Lanchkhuti in the Guria region, as well as Lagodekhi, Telavi, and Akhmeta in the Kakheti region. They are protesting against Georgian Dream’s announcement yesterday halting Georgia’s EU accession process, and the police violence against protesters during last night’s demonstration in response to the declaration.

Deputy Interior Minister calls for protesters to avoid carrying risky objects or substances

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze has called on the participants and organisers of tonight’s rally to refrain from possessing any objects or substances that create ‘real risks of losing the peaceful nature of the assembly.

‘Calls are being spread on social networks to block various strategically important facilities during gatherings and demonstrations, as well as provocative calls to damage vehicles and video surveillance cameras belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs’, he claimed.

‘We call on the participants of the demonstration not to exceed the limits established by the Law of Georgia on Assemblies and Demonstrations and to refrain from unlawful actions’.

Georgian journalists rally in solidarity with injured colleagues

This evening, a group of Georgian journalists gathered at Republic Square in Tbilisi to show solidarity with their colleagues injured during last night’s events, holding images that captured those moments. 

Earlier today, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze described the injuries sustained by ‘several journalists’ as ‘unfortunate’ during a press briefing, but denied that police officers had deliberately targeted them.

The Georgian media rights group Mediaombudsman reported this morning that 35 media workers had been injured, and called on the Special Investigation Service to investigate each case.

State Service Development Agency employees issue joint statement

More than 110 employees of the State Services Development Agency have issued a joint statement responding to the Georgian government’s decision to suspend the process of opening negotiations with the European Union until 2028.

In their statement, the employees highlighted that the irreversible continuation of Georgia’s European integration process is necessary for citizens to have decent living conditions. According to them, Georgian Dream's decision significantly harms this goal and, in general, the country’s interests.

Education Ministry employees issue statement condemning halting of EU accession

More than 220 employees of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth Affairs and its subordinate agencies have issued a joint statement responding to Georgian Dream’s decision to suspend the process of opening negotiations with the EU until 2028.

The employees say that Georgian Dream’s decision is not in line with the country’s strategic interests, which they have been serving for years.

Human rights defenders demand two detained protesters be hospitalised

According to local media, two lawyers have demanded that their clients, two protesters who were detained during yesterday’s pro-EU demonstration, be transferred to the hospital.

Citing the lawyers, media reported that both detainees claim that they were physically assaulted by riot police.

According to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association’s lawyer, Keti Tsitsuashvili, one detainee has bruises around their eye and a broken nose.

Another detainee was physically assaulted by up to seven riot police officers, and has serious injuries including a gash on his head, media reported, citing lawyer Lasha Tsutskiridze.

Georgia’s Interior Ministry previously stated that 43 people were detained during the protests.

Mdinaradze claims ‘opposition’ planned to ‘incite unrest’ on 16 December

The leader of parliamentary majority, Mamuka Mdinaradze, has made allegations during a briefing today that the ‘agency opposition’ was planning to ‘incite unrest in Georgia’ on 16 December, which was the date that the EU member states will discuss Georgia during a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.

According to Mdinaradze, on that date, ‘there were plans to incite unrest in Georgia based on the fact that the European Commission would refuse to open negotiations with Georgia’.

Sandu: ‘Georgia’s future lies in Europe’

Romanian President Maia Sandu has stated that Moldova stands in solidarity with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili and the Georgian people ‘in their fight for freedom’. 

Georgians are Europeans.

Georgia’s future lies in Europe, and no one can take that away from them.

Moldova condemns violence against peaceful demonstrators and stands in solidarity with President @Zourabichvili_S and the Georgian people in their fight for freedom.

— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) November 29, 2024

Kobakhidze blames violence on protesters

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze blamed yesterday’s violent police crackdown on protesters, claiming demonstrators initiated the clashes. 

‘If there had not been large-scale violence by the protesters, there would have been no need to disperse the gathering and, consequently, none of these incidents would have occurred’, Kobakhidze said. 

OC Media journalists and reporters from other media outlets who were covering the protests have widely documented attacks from riot police on peaceful protesters, as well as the deliberate targeting of journalists who were clearly marked as press. 

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US Ambassador to Georgia calls on government to ‘return Georgia to the path of EU’ 

US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan issued a statement condemning police violence against protesters and criticised the halting of the country’s EU accession process, saying it deviates from ‘the path of democracy desired by a clear majority of Georgians’. 

‘It is up to the Georgian government to take steps to repair its relations with the Western countries who have supported Georgia for more than three decades’. 

TSU faculty issue joint statement urging Georgian Dream to continue EU integration

At least 24 professors and other faculty members at Tbilisi State University (TSU) issued a joint statement saying that ‘we consider it unjustified for the Georgian authorities to suspend the issue of opening negotiations’ with the EU. 

The statement further added that the suspension of efforts to join the EU is in contradiction with Georgia’s Constitution.

Protesters block roads in Kutaisi

Protesters have gathered in the western Georgian city of Kutaisi, blocking the road in front of city hall for nearly three hours, local media reported. 

In #Kutaisi, protest rally of mothers and children has been underway for nearly 3 hours, blocking the road in front of City Hall. More people are expected to join the rally.

This latest wave of #GeorgiaProtests began after GD announced it would halt Georgia’s EU accession bid. pic.twitter.com/jXjbaUmMSV

— ბათუმელები • Batumelebi.ge (@Batumelebi_ge) November 29, 2024

Sweden calls for will of the Georgian people to be respected

The Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maria Stenergard, has posted on X, stating that she is ‘seriously concerned’ about Georgian Dream’s intention to pause the country’s EU accession process and refuse EU grants until 2028. 

She also emphasised the right to peaceful assembly. 

Seriously concerned about the Georgian Dream’s statement that it will pause Georgia’s EU accession and refuse EU grants until 2028. This adds to a worrying development including restrictive laws adopted earlier this year and widespread irregularities reported in connection with…

— Maria M Stenergard (@MariaStenergard) November 29, 2024

Group of judges issue joint statement rejecting halting of EU accession

A group of Georgian judges have issued a joint statement condemning police violence against protesters, emphasising it is their ‘constitutional duty’ to ‘protect human rights and to ensure the country's European future’.

Hotel says it will withhold taxes from ‘a government that ignores the country's constitution’

A hotel in Bakuriani, a Georgian ski resort, has stated that they will not pay their taxes if the government of Georgia continues to violate the country's constitution.

In a post on Facebook, Resident Hill Sopra wrote that they were ‘deeply concerned about the Georgian government's decision to suspend negotiations with the European Union. We support Georgia's European course and we believe that the country's constitution is the guarantor of our national and democratic stability’.

They added that the funds would go towards helping ‘those who will raise their voices to protect the Georgian Constitution and European values’.

‘Our hotel actively stands by the community and we try to promote the democratic and legal processes of the country with our activities. It is important for us that the future of Georgia is firmly connected with the European family’.

Ukraine calls on Georgian authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement calling on the country’s authorities to ‘respect the right of Georgian citizens to peaceful protest and refrain from violence and provocations’.

They noted that Ukraine was disappointed by the Georgian government’s decision to suspend negotiations on EU accession until 2028, calling the decision ‘evidence of the curtailment of democratic processes in the country in favor of Moscow’. 

‘It is not for nothing that the leadership of Georgia has already received public praise from the Kremlin for acting contrary to the European choice of its own people’, the statement read. 

‘We call on the government of Georgia to respect the aspirations of the vast majority of the Georgian people to be an integral part of a free and democratic Europe, and to return to the implementation of all the reforms necessary for the country to become a member of the EU’, the Ministry added. 

The statement also called for an investigation into the ‘numerous violations’ recorded by international observers, emphasising that ‘those responsible must be brought to justice’.

Lithuanian President: ‘Georgia belongs in Europe’

The President of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, has posted on X, showing his support for Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, and emphasising Lithuania’s support for the Georgian people. 

Lithuania stands firmly with the people of #Georgia and their European dream! 🇪🇺

President @Zourabichvili_S, I wish you strength& courage in keeping Georgia on the European path.

🇬🇪 belongs in Europe.

— Gitanas Nausėda (@GitanasNauseda) November 29, 2024

Georgian diaspora organises protests abroad

Members of the Georgian diaspora have organised protests across Europe in support of Georgia’s Euro–Atlantic integration. 

This morning in Brussels, Georgian emigrants gathered in front of the Georgian Embassy, calling the diplomats inside ‘Russians’ and telling them to come out. 

❗️Georgian diaspora gathered at Georgian Embassy in Brussels this morning.

Although @GeorgiaInEU is silent, avoiding meeting with citizens for few months now.

It's unclear what's their mission now after illegitimate government stopped the EU integration process.

Putin's… pic.twitter.com/RG66sL6Wxr

— Giorgi Tabagari (@Tabagari) November 29, 2024

 

In London, three protests have been organised across the course of the day. At 9:00, protesters gathered outside the UK Parliament to protest against the Georgian illegitimate government and demand sanctions from the UK government. At 11:00, the Georgian diaspora plans to stage a rally outside the Embassy of Georgia, which is expected to grow at 17:00.

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein von @georgianyouthuk geteilter Beitrag

University of Georgia suspends studies

The University of Georgia, located in Tbilisi, has suspended studies following last night’s protests and the subsequent violent crackdown by riot police. 

‘There are moments in the life of the country when you have to put everything aside…’, the university posted on Instagram. 

‘Due to the situation created in the country, we stop learning. We believe that today everyone's first duty is to return Georgia to the European future’, continued the post.

Ministry of Defense employees issue joint statement

Over 40 employees from Georgia’s Defence Ministry have signed a joint statement highlighting European and Euro-Atlantic integration as an ‘alternative way to further strengthen the country’s security and sovereignty’.

According to the statement, the employees see their main duty as strengthening the security of the state, increasing the defence capability, and ‘loyalty to the Constitution of Georgia’. 

‘The Ministry of Defense of Georgia has been successfully serving the national interests of the country for many years, on the one hand — by building up the defense forces, and on the other — by promoting the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia’, the statement reads. ‘The European and Euro-Atlantic integration is an alternative way to further strengthen the country's security and sovereignty, as well as the main priority of the foreign and security policy, which is confirmed both by the Constitution of Georgia and all conceptual documents of the national and departmental levels’.

The employees added that they were ‘aware of the importance of Georgia's cooperation with European and Euro-Atlantic structures and the contribution of Western partners in the process of developing Georgia's defense and deterrence capabilities’.

‘We serve Georgia!’, the employees wrote, finishing the statement.   

Former Defence Minister: ‘Georgian army must defend its people’

Former Georgian Defence Minister Tinatin Khidasheli has reportedly called on the Georgian Armed Forces to take action in protecting the country's citizens. 

‘The time to act is now! Georgia’s modern history is being written today. The Georgian army must defend its people, its citizens, and its homeland. This is no time for hesitation. Either we fight for our future, or the door to freedom will close for this generation of Georgians’, Khidasheli wrote.

She also highlighted the need for an organised resistance. 

‘This struggle requires more than just a leader or an orator — it demands organised resistance, a broad front, and discipline. Through this fight, the political force and leadership that will guide the country toward its European future will be forged’.

Russia calls on its citizens in Georgia to avoid crowded places

According to TASS, the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy in Tbilisi has called on Russians to temporarily avoid crowded places in the Georgian capital due to anti-government rallies.

‘In the context of the current surge in street protest activity in Tbilisi, we recommend that Russian citizens who are in Georgia observe all necessary safety measures, if possible refrain from being in crowded places, and from participating in any actions of a political nature’, the statement reads.

Georgian Ambassador to Bulgaria resigns

Georgia’s Ambassador to Bulgaria, Otar Berdzenishvili, has resigned, noting that the efforts of Georgian diplomats and other officials to advance Georgia’s Euro–Atlantic aspirations ‘shouldn’t be undermined or compromised by any means’. 

👇🇬🇪🇪🇺🇪🇺🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/WBuQM3tKP3

— Otar Berdzenishvili (@OtariB) November 29, 2024

Key events from yesterday:

• Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would be halting its EU accession process until the end of 2028.
• The announcement sparked spontaneous protests in Tbilisi and across the country
• Police violently dispersed the protests, using water cannons, tear gas, pepper spray, and other methods, as well as beating demonstrators, opposition officials, and journalists. Georgia’s Interior Ministry said 43 people were detained during the protests
• Numerous journalists, including OC Media’s Mariam Nikuradze and Robin Fabbro, were directly targeted by police anti-riot weapons
• Nearly 90 Foreign Ministry employees have criticised Kobakhidze’s announcement, saying it is ‘in conflict with the country’s strategic interests’.