Georgians rally in Tbilisi against EU negotiations halt
Thousands of citizens gathered in Tbilisi on Friday to express their dissatisfaction with the Georgian government's current actions. The protests were in response to the authorities' decision to halt negotiations on joining the European Union. This marks another wave of social discontent in the country, where residents demonstrate their desire for closer ties with the EU.
According to witnesses, there are more protesters than on Thursday, as the Echo of the Caucasus service (a branch of Radio Liberty) reported. Rustaveli Avenue, in front of the parliament, is blocked. Numerous recordings and photos from the scene are already available.
The protest is proceeding peacefully; however, special forces and equipment to suppress demonstrations are prepared not far from the parliament.
On Thursday night into Friday, around 6 PM Eastern Time, officers began to disperse the protest using, among other methods, water cannons and tear gas. According to official data, 43 people were detained, and dozens of participants were injured, including about 20 journalists, as reported by the NewsGeorgia portal.
Demonstrations also occur in other Georgian cities, including Batumi and Kutaisi.
