Tbilisi, Georgia saw tens of thousands of people participating in the 11th consecutive day of protests on Sunday. The demonstrations were sparked after the ruling party halted negotiations on Georgia's potential accession to the European Union. The protests have been primarily concentrated around the parliament building in the capital city.
Police have been employing increasingly forceful tactics to disperse the rallies, including the use of water cannons and tear gas. Demonstrators have been met with physical violence, with reports of riot police beating protesters who have been setting off fireworks and constructing barricades along Tbilisi's central boulevard.
During a recent demonstration, a violent mob targeted journalists covering the protests, resulting in physical assaults and theft of equipment. The journalists reported incidents of being violently pushed to the ground and sustaining injuries.
Media workers in Tbilisi organized a march to denounce the violence against journalists, highlighting the risks faced by reporters while carrying out their duties. The situation escalated further when masked individuals were witnessed violently attacking a protester outside the offices of an opposition party.
The protests intensified following the ruling party's decision to suspend talks on EU accession, a move that has been met with strong opposition from the public. The disputed election in October, which saw the Georgian Dream party retain control of parliament, has further fueled tensions and accusations of electoral misconduct.
The crackdown on protesters has drawn condemnation from international bodies, with the United States and EU officials expressing concerns over the use of force against peaceful demonstrators. The Georgian government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with calls for greater accountability and respect for democratic principles.
Despite the challenges and unrest, Georgia's aspirations for closer ties with Europe remain a key focus for many citizens. The country's journey towards EU candidacy has been marked by both progress and setbacks, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in the region.
