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Georgia’s 12th Day of Pro-EU Protests Draws Thousands
Thousands of citizens gathered in cities across Georgia for the 12th consecutive day of protests against the government’s controversial decision to halt European Union accession talks following disputed elections. Demonstrators demanded a fresh vote and a renewed commitment to European integration, converging outside the Parliament building in Tbilisi on Monday.
The political crisis erupted after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s decision on November 28 to suspend EU accession discussions, a move that sparked widespread discontent and galvanized public opposition. The protests have been marked by tensions and a robust police response, including the use of tear gas, water cannons, and mass arrests, with over 400 individuals detained since the unrest intensified.
The heavy-handed crackdown has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. Protesters voiced their dissatisfaction with creative displays, including banners declaring “Less Russia is more freedom,” while others blew horns and whistles to amplify their demands for change.
Amidst the demonstrations, authorities erected a large Christmas tree outside Parliament. However, photos of individuals reportedly harmed during the police response, along with protest flyers that had been displayed on the tree’s structure, were removed earlier in the day, signaling ongoing tensions between the government and its citizens.
This wave of protests underscores a broader societal divide over Georgia’s political direction, with many citizens striving to align their nation’s future with European values and governance. The persistence of the demonstrations reflects the determination of the public to be heard amidst a growing political and social crisis.