Georgian Police Raid Opposition Offices Amid EU Accession Protests

A motorcyclist passes a burning barricade during a rally to protest against the government's decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union in Tbilisi, Georgia, early Wednesday, Dec. 4

Georgian police conducted raids on the offices of an opposition party and arrested its leader in response to ongoing mass protests triggered by the government's decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union. The protests, which have lasted for six nights, have seen clashes between demonstrators and riot police, resulting in over 300 protesters being detained and more than 100 people treated for injuries.

The ruling Georgian Dream party defended the police actions, stating that the raids were aimed at individuals who incited violence during the protests in an alleged attempt to overthrow the government. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze characterized the raids as preventive measures rather than repression.

The disputed October 26 election, widely viewed as a referendum on Georgia's EU aspirations, saw the Georgian Dream party retain control of parliament. The opposition and the pro-Western president have accused the governing party of election rigging with alleged support from Russia, leading to a boycott of parliament sessions.

Over 300 protesters detained and 100 injured in clashes with riot police.

Georgian police raids opposition party offices amid mass protests.

Georgian Dream party defends actions, citing prevention of violence incitement.

October 26 election results disputed, with accusations of rigging and Russian support.

Protests escalate after government halts EU accession talks.

President contests election results, calls for new parliamentary election.

EU granted Georgia candidate status but suspended talks over democratic concerns.

Protests intensified following the government's decision to halt EU accession talks, prompting Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili to contest the election results in the Constitutional Court. Despite the court's rejection of her appeal, Zourabichvili has vowed to continue leading the opposition's call for a new parliamentary election.

The European Union granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 but suspended accession talks and reduced financial support in June due to concerns over democratic freedoms. The passage of a controversial 'foreign influence' law further strained relations, leading to the EU's criticism of the October election as neither free nor fair.

Georgian Prime Minister Kobakhidze expressed willingness to resume EU accession talks if the bloc ceases what he described as 'blackmail.' The situation remains tense as the country grapples with political turmoil and escalating protests amid the ongoing standoff between the government and opposition forces.