Georgian protests intensify as EU talks suspended until 2028

In downtown Tbilisi on the night from Thursday to Friday, there were violent clashes between police and protest participants against the suspension of talks about Georgia joining the European Union until 2028. About 10 journalists were injured, and human rights defenders accused the police of using disproportionate force.

Protesters gathered before the Georgian parliament to express opposition to the government's decision to delay integration with the EU. Demonstrations turned into riots. The Echo of the Caucasus service reports that Rustaveli Avenue resembles a battlefield.

The police are using not only water cannons but also tear gas, leading protesters to build barricades and start fires in an attempt to defend themselves. By morning, there were mass arrests of those who refused to leave the demonstration site.

The Young Lawyers Association is demanding explanations regarding the chemical agents used by the police. According to reports, officers used a mixture of water with chemical substances, which caused burns to the faces and bodies of many protest participants.

Clashes are taking place amid social dissatisfaction with the government's decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union until 2028.

Human rights defenders are warning that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is using disproportionate force against demonstrators. About 10 journalists from various outlets were injured during the police intervention.