International

Tbilisi protests demand new elections and release of prisoners

Thousands of pro-European protesters gathered in Tbilisi to demonstrate against the government, on the eve of the inauguration of Georgia’s new president, whose appointment is being contested by the opposition.

The protesters formed a human chain along the river in downtown Tbilisi, some wrapped in Georgian and EU flags. Others held up a banner calling for the "release of political prisoners." The protesters also called for the release of those detained during earlier protests and for the organization of new parliamentary elections.

Thousands of Tbilisi residents formed a human chain, urging their fellow citizens to unite for national solidarity. Georgians have been protesting continuously for more than a month. The protests, which involved civil society members and opposition parties, were joined by President Salome Zurabishvili.

The protesters demanded new elections and the release of political prisoners arrested during the anti-government protests.

"We have two main demands: the release of those arrested during the protests and new elections. We are here because we see our country heading in the wrong direction. We want to move closer to Europe and improve our lives—for ourselves and our children—and this government must go."

"I have never seen anything like this in my life. Different generations, people from various backgrounds and professions, all together, united, all in the streets. This unity creates strength. You can feel the positive energy; everyone feels it, even though we don’t know what comes next, but this positive energy is undeniable."

"I am in the streets with my whole family. We want to free this country from the grip of the Russian empire. Our country has fought for 30 years to make progress and join countries where the rule of law prevails, justice is upheld, and where life is possible."

The protests were triggered by the Georgian Prime Minister’s announcement to halt negotiations for EU integration. Later, hundreds of protesters were arrested, many were beaten and humiliated.

The Georgian opposition does not recognize the results of the October parliamentary elections, alleging that they were rigged by the ruling Georgian Dream Party.

On Friday, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on the founder of Georgia’s ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, "for undermining Georgia’s democratic and Euro-Atlantic future in favor of the Russian Federation."

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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