Police use water cannon as Georgia EU protests erupt for second night

In Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, thousands of people took to the streets once again on Friday to express their anger over the government's recent decision to halt discussions about joining the European Union. The demonstrators were seen shouting 'traitors' and holding up photographs of journalists who they claim were assaulted by police during protests the previous night. For the second consecutive night, law enforcement deployed tear gas and extensively used water cannons against the crowds. President Salome Zourabishvili declared that 'the resistance movement has begun' and expressed her solidarity with the protesters. She stated, 'We will remain united until Georgia achieves its goals, to return to its European path and secure new elections. ' According to Georgia's interior ministry, more than 100 individuals were arrested for disobeying police orders and for minor acts of hooliganism. The ministry reported that protesters hurled fireworks, stones, and glass bottles, resulting in injuries to 10 police officers. Earlier on Friday, over 100 diplomats and civil servants in Georgia signed an open letter asserting that the government's decision did not align with the strategic interests of the country. In defense of his decision, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the EU of 'blackmail' after EU legislators called for a re-run of last month's parliamentary elections in Georgia, citing 'significant irregularities. ' Since 2012, Georgia has been governed by the Georgian Dream party, which critics argue has attempted to steer the country away from the EU and closer to Russia. The party claimed victory in last month's elections, but opposition members are boycotting the new parliament, alleging electoral fraud. President Zourabichvili, who is at odds with the ruling party, has labeled the one-party parliament as 'unconstitutional. ' On Thursday, the European Parliament described the election as a further indication of Georgia's 'worsening democratic crisis' and held the ruling party fully accountable. They expressed particular concern regarding reports of voter intimidation, vote-buying, and harassment of election observers. The European Parliament also urged sanctions against Georgia's prime minister and other high-ranking officials, including the billionaire founder of the ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili. During the protests, demonstrators were seen waving EU flags and holding photographs of journalists who were reportedly beaten by police. A firework exploded near police officers, who were dressed in black uniforms and heavy riot helmets. Following the European Parliament's resolution, the prime minister announced that his government had 'decided not to bring up the issue of joining the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. ' He emphasized that Georgia would still pursue EU membership but would do so with 'dignity' and on its own terms. Kobakhidze also criticized European politicians for 'hurling a cascade of insults' at the Georgian government. In response, thousands of pro-EU protesters began demonstrating outside the offices of Georgian Dream in Tbilisi and Kutaisi on Thursday. Protesters view the government's reversal as a betrayal of a national aspiration, as the goal of European integration is enshrined in Georgia's constitution. President Zourabichvili attended the protest on Thursday and was seen engaging with police officers directly. During the first night of protests, police utilized batons, tear gas, and water cannons after demonstrators barricaded several streets in Tbilisi. The interior ministry reported that protesters frequently provoked the police, causing damage to infrastructure and injuring 32 police officers. The exact number of injured protesters remains unknown, but a member of the opposition group Coalition for Change stated that one of their members, Nana Malashkhia, suffered a broken nose. A protester named Giorgi Butikashvili recounted that they sought refuge in a pharmacy during the crackdown, but special forces pursued them. He remarked, 'If it was not for the presence of the media, they might have beaten us to death. ' Footage circulating on social media also depicted a journalist from the opposition Formula TV station being severely beaten by police. Other media representatives, clearly marked as press, were also targeted. A protester conveyed to the BBC that Georgians desire a 'better future' as part of the EU. The EU's ambassador to Georgia described the government's suspension of talks as sad and heartbreaking. Pawel Herczynski stated that it contradicted the policies of previous governments and the wishes of the vast majority of the population. Public polling indicates that over 80% of Georgians envision their country's future as being part of the European Union. A young man named Shota Sabashvili told the AFP news agency, 'Georgian Dream didn't win the elections. It staged a coup. ' He asserted, 'There is no legitimate parliament or government in Georgia. We will not allow this self-proclaimed prime minister to destroy our European future. ' A student named Ana expressed that Georgian Dream was 'going against the will of the Georgian people and trying to drag us back to the USSR. ' She stated, 'That will never happen because the Georgian people will never allow it. ' Another protester, Uta, told the BBC that Georgians seek a 'better future' as part of the EU and do not wish to be associated with Russia any longer. Another protester named Vakho expressed disappointment in the government's actions, stating they do not represent the 'will of the Georgian people. ' Georgia has held official EU candidate status since 2023. However, Brussels had already halted the accession process earlier this year, targeting organizations accused of pursuing the interests of a foreign power. Kobakhidze asserted that Georgia would continue to implement the necessary reforms for EU membership and still aims to join by 2030, but he emphasized that it is crucial for the EU to respect Georgia's national interests and traditional values. Former Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili remarked that the country is at an 'unprecedented' turning point. He stated, 'Since we gained independence 30 years ago, we have been clearly pro-Western, pro-NATO, and pro-EU, and this has united every government in place. ' However, he added that there is now an effort by those in power in Tbilisi and the Kremlin to rapidly bring Georgia into the Russian sphere of influence. Georgia's ambassador to Bulgaria also resigned in protest, stating that he had worked extensively for over two decades to advance Georgia's EU integration. He declared, 'Our tireless efforts must not be shaken or compromised under any circumstances. No, violence against the free will of peaceful protesters, full solidarity with them.