On December 4, 2024, protests in Tbilisi, Georgia, intensified as citizens reacted to the government's decision to suspend EU accession talks for four years. This announcement, made by the ruling Georgian Dream party on November 27, has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among pro-EU protesters who fear a return to Russian influence [6a6420ae].
Georgia's rights ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, has accused police of torturing demonstrators during the ongoing protests, which have seen the use of water cannons and tear gas by law enforcement. Reports indicate that over 293 individuals have been detained, and 143 police officers have sustained injuries in clashes with protesters [6a6420ae].
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has threatened reprisals against those participating in the demonstrations, further escalating tensions between the government and the opposition. In contrast, President Salome Zurabishvili has voiced her support for the protesters and called for fresh elections, highlighting the divide within the country's leadership [6a6420ae].
The unrest is a continuation of protests that began following the October 26 parliamentary elections, which were marred by allegations of vote rigging. The situation has drawn international criticism regarding police violence and human rights abuses, as citizens demand accountability and a return to democratic processes [bdb5923c][6a6420ae].
In a broader context, the unrest in Georgia reflects a growing trend of protests against government actions in various countries. Similar protests have erupted in Kenya over tax hikes, where police have clashed with demonstrators, and authorities in Zimbabwe have urged citizens to remain calm amid rumors of planned protests [cbcfb914][1801486c].