Police in Georgia have launched a series of raids targeting the offices of several opposition parties, escalating tensions amid ongoing protests against the ruling Georgia dream party’s decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union.
Thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets of Tbilisi for six consecutive nights, demanding the government resume EU accession negotiations. Clashes between protesters and police have become a nightly occurrence, with authorities deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Some demonstrators have responded by throwing fireworks and erecting barricades in the city center.
On Wednesday, the opposition Coalition for Change party announced the detention of its leader, Nika Gvaramia.A video circulating on social media, purportedly captured by the party, shows Gvaramia being carried away by several men down a flight of stairs.
“It is indeed clear to everyone that these violent actions are entirely coordinated by the radical opposition. … No one will escape accountability, including the politicians hiding in their offices,”
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze vowed to crack down on what he called “radical” political forces orchestrating the protests.
The raids extended to the offices of the Youth Organisation of the opposition United National Movement (UNM) party, according to party leader Levan Khabeishvili. The UNM issued a statement condemning the government’s actions as “all-out terror and repressions against opponents.”
Reports from the Interpress news agency indicate that two members of another opposition party,Strong Georgia,were also detained by police.Images broadcast on local television showed police beating and arresting the leader of the Akhali liberal opposition party and conducting a raid on the offices of the Droa party.
Despite the crackdown, organizers vowed to continue the protests. Demonstrators planned to gather again on Wednesday evening, with police stationed at the parliament building to prevent them from approaching.
Al Jazeera’s Dmitry Medvedenko, reporting from Tbilisi, noted a palpable sense of agitation near the parliament. “It is indeed the seventh night of protests here in Tbilisi. People that we’ve been talking to have been saying the arrest of the opposition leader [Gvaramia] is not going to deter them from coming here, night after night,” Medvedenko said.
Pro-EU president Salome Zurabishvili criticized the government for restricting access to protective gear, accusing Georgian Dream of closing shops selling gas masks, goggles, and helmets, leaving peaceful protesters vulnerable.
Earlier on Wednesday, police cleared demonstrators from Tbilisi’s main avenue outside the parliament building using tear gas and water cannons. They pursued fleeing protesters throughout the city, making numerous arrests. The Ministry of Labor, Health and Social affairs reported that 11 protesters, three journalists, and one police officer were hospitalized with injuries.
Since the demonstrations began on Thursday, over 300 protesters have been detained, and more than 100 people have sought medical treatment for injuries. Demonstrators accuse the government of betraying Georgia’s aspirations for EU membership, a goal enshrined in the country’s constitution and supported by approximately 80 percent of the population, according to polls.
Georgia’s public ombudsman, a former opposition politician, has accused the police of mistreating detainees, alleging that their conduct amounts to torture.
![Demonstrators clash with police officers in the Georgian capital [irakli Gedenidze/reuters]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/20241203164747_640x360.jpg?resize=770%2C433)
Demonstrators to gather again
Further protests were scheduled for Wednesday evening.
Al Jazeera’s Dmitry medvedenko speaking from Tbilisi says police were stationed at the parliament building to prevent protesters from getting closer. “Agitation here is mounting near the parliament,” he said.
“It is the seventh night of protests here in Tbilisi. People that we’ve been talking to have been saying the arrest of the opposition leader [Gvaramia] is not going to deter them from coming here, night after night.”
Beforehand, pro-EU President Salome Zurabishvili accused Georgian Dream of closing “shops selling protective gas masks, protective goggles and helmets, leaving peaceful protesters deprived of their elementary protection”.
Early on Wednesday, police cleared demonstrators from Tbilisi’s main avenue outside the parliament building, using tear gas and water cannon, then chased fleeing people throughout the city and made arrests.
The Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs said “11 protesters, three journalists and one police officer” were taken to hospitals with injuries.
“On-site medical assistance was provided to dozens of individuals, including media representatives and law enforcement officers,” it added.
More than 300 protesters have been detained since the demonstrations erupted on Thursday, and more than 100 people have been treated for injuries.
Demonstrators accuse the government of betraying Georgia’s bid for EU membership, which is enshrined in its constitution and supported by about 80 percent of the population, according to polls.
Georgia’s public ombudsman, a former opposition politician, accused the police on Tuesday of harshly mistreating people detained during the demonstrations, conduct that he said amounted to torture.
Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, on Sunday, December 3rd, to express their outrage over the government’s decision to halt negotiations for European Union membership. The exhibition, organized by supporters of Georgia’s opposition parties, saw clashes with police clad in riot gear.
The protesters, angered by the government’s move, chanted slogans demanding Georgia’s EU accession and criticizing the ruling Georgian Dream party. “We want Europe!” and “Georgia will be in the EU!” echoed through the streets as demonstrators marched towards the parliament building.
“This is a betrayal of the Georgian people and their aspirations,” declared one protester, encapsulating the sentiment of manny. “We have been promised a European future, and now the government is turning its back on us.”
the Georgian government’s decision to suspend EU membership talks stems from a political deadlock with Brussels over judicial reforms. The EU has expressed concerns about the independence of Georgia’s judiciary and has demanded further progress on democratic reforms before granting membership.
The protests highlight the deep divisions within Georgian society regarding the country’s future direction. While the government argues that it is committed to EU integration, opposition parties accuse it of stalling the process and undermining Georgia’s democratic progress.
The outcome of this political standoff remains uncertain, but the passionate demonstrations in Tbilisi underscore the strong desire among many Georgians for closer ties with Europe.
## Georgian Crackdown Creates Tensions Amid EU Accession Protest
**World-Today-News Exclusive Interview with Dr. Mariam Ghani:**
**World-Today-News:** Teh situation in Georgia is escalating rapidly. Police raids on opposition offices, the arrest of opposition leaders, violent clashes with protesters – what does this say about the state of democracy in Georgia?
**Dr. Mariam Ghani:** The crackdown we are witnessing is deeply alarming. The Georgian government’s response to these peaceful protests is disproportionate and raises serious concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and human rights. Targeting opposition figures, raiding party offices, and using excessive force against demonstrators are all clear signs of authoritarian tendencies.
**World-Today-News:** Prime Minister Kobakhidze has accused the opposition of orchestrating violent unrest. What’s your viewpoint on this?
**Dr. Ghani:** While there might potentially be isolated instances of violence, the overwhelming majority of protesters have been demonstrating peacefully. Laying the blame solely on the opposition deflects from the government’s own obligation in creating this situation. The decision to suspend EU accession talks ignited widespread frustration and disappointment, and this anger is justified when a majority of Georgians support EU membership.
**World-today-News:** President zurabishvili has criticized the government for restricting access to protective gear, accusing them of leaving peaceful protesters vulnerable. What is the significance of this allegation?
**Dr. Ghani:** This is a troubling development. Denying protesters access to protective equipment, like masks and helmets, puts their safety at risk and shows a blatant disregard for their well-being. It further underscores the government’s willingness to silence dissent through intimidation and coercion.
**World-today-News:** You mentioned the suspension of EU accession talks. How meaningful is this factor in driving the protests?
**Dr. Ghani:** It is absolutely pivotal. The aspiration for EU membership is deeply entrenched in Georgian society.
It represents a desire for democratic values, economic prosperity, and security. By pausing the accession process, the government betrayed the hopes and dreams of it’s own people. This underlines the hypocrisy of the ruling party’s claims to be committed to European integration.
**World-Today-News:** What are the potential ramifications of the current situation for Georgia’s future?
**Dr.Ghani:** The ramifications are serious.These events risk further polarizing Georgian society and undermining trust in institutions. It could also have a detrimental impact on Georgia’s international standing and its relations with the EU. The international community must closely monitor the situation and hold the Georgian government accountable for upholding its democratic commitments.
**Dr. Mariam Ghani** is a Caucasus specialist and political analyst with expertise in Georgian politics and civil society. She has published extensively on issues related to democratization, human rights, and EU-Georgia relations.
