Tbilisi protests escalate over delayed EU membership talks
A new protest is unfolding in Tbilisi, Georgia. According to the Paper Kartuli publication, several hundred students have gathered outside the Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, blocking street traffic, reports Meduza Live.
Meanwhile, Republic Square is hosting a solidarity event for journalists injured during Thursday’s protest. The Sirena publication reports that 20 journalists have been confirmed injured. A television correspondent sustained fractures to the facial bones and cervical spine.
The Tbilisi government is employing every available measure to counter protests and dissatisfaction with its pro-Russian stance. By doing so, it aims to show the European Union that Georgia’s European aspirations are shaped not only by Brussels’ will but also by the resolve of both Georgian authorities and citizens, noted political analyst Cătălin Gabriel Done on Radio Moldova.
“The EU must exercise far greater tact when addressing the pro-Russian agenda emerging in Tbilisi. I am concerned that Georgian authorities might replicate strategies previously employed by pro-Russian leaders in Moldova. This could lead to a rise in Eurosceptic movements and political Euroscepticism among elites within the government’s sphere of influence in Tbilisi. That’s why I advocate for a pragmatic approach from both the EU and Georgian authorities, particularly the opposition,” said Cătălin Gabriel Done.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu strongly condemned the violence against peaceful protesters in Tbilisi and sent a message of solidarity to the Georgian people and President Salome Zourabichvili.
AFP reports that on Friday, the Council of Europe condemned the crackdown on pro-European protests in Georgia, where clashes with law enforcement resulted in injuries on Thursday evening.
On Thursday, November 28, thousands assembled in central Tbilisi to protest Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's decision to halt EU membership negotiations until 2028. The announcement came shortly after the European Parliament adopted a resolution rejecting the results of Georgia’s recent parliamentary elections and calling for a new vote, notes DW. The demonstrations escalated into violent confrontations between protesters and law enforcement.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
