Europe Georgian police report over 100 arrests after protests

Police in the South Caucasus republic of Georgia have reported that 107 people were arrested during protests last night in the capital Tbilisi alone. "Despite repeated appeals by representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the action on Rustaveli Prospekt in front of the Georgian parliament building repeatedly exceeded the norms set by the law for assemblies and rallies," the ministry said in justification. Demonstrators had thrown stones at police officers, built barricades and burned objects. The protests were triggered by what the opposition considers to be fraudulent elections and the government's announcement that it was suspending accession talks with the EU.

According to eyewitnesses, the demonstrations during the night were the largest in recent weeks. Tens of thousands are said to have taken part in Tbilisi, with demonstrations also taking place in other cities. According to surveys, the majority of the population is in favor of joining the EU, which is also a goal set out in the constitution.

According to the police report, ten officers were injured in the clashes. One of them is still in hospital. The authorities did not provide any information on the number of injured demonstrators. The police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

At the end of October, the ruling Georgian Dream party secured a majority in controversial parliamentary elections. Following severe criticism - including from Brussels - of the election process and the government's increasingly authoritarian course, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze declared that EU accession negotiations with the EU would be suspended until 2028.

Georgian Dream views Brussels' criticism as interference and blackmail. The opposition, in turn, fears that turning away from Europe will give Russia more influence in Georgia again.

SDA