Tbilisi, Georgia was engulfed in chaos last night as pro-European protests escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Thousands took to the streets, with some launching fireworks at the parliament building, scenes captured in videos circulating on social networks. The explosions echoed through the capital, highlighting the intensity of the unrest.
Authorities had previously banned the use of pyrotechnics,but protesters defied the order. In response, security forces, clad in helmets and protective gear, repeatedly used force against the demonstrators. Water cannons and tear gas were deployed to disperse the crowds, leading to numerous arrests.
President Condemns Violence Against Protesters
Table of Contents
Pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili denounced the violence against protesters, accusing authorities on social media platform X of “serious human rights violations.” She described the situation as “terror against demonstrators.”
Reports emerged of security forces being pelted with stones, with videos on social media showing objects being hurled at uniformed officers. The Georgian Interior Ministry confirmed that a police officer sustained injuries. Disturbing footage also surfaced online depicting uniformed officers striking and kicking demonstrators.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, however, praised the security forces for “successfully neutralizing the demonstrators’ willingness to use violence,” claiming they had “won an crucial battle against liberal fascism in our country.” His language echoed the Kremlin’s rhetoric against political opponents.
Opposition leaders imprisoned
The pro-European protests have resulted in the imprisonment of two opposition politicians. Aleko Elisashvili, a leader of the Strong Georgia party alliance, was ordered by a Tbilisi court to spend two months in pre-trial detention. Nika Gvaramia, head of the pro-European Coalition for Change party alliance, received a twelve-day prison sentence.
“Elisashvili is said to have attacked a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party,” according to the Interior ministry. Levan Iosseliani, the human rights commissioner in Georgia, criticized the police’s use of force against Elisashvili as “disproportionate.”
By Thursday, Iosseliani’s office reported speaking with 260 detainees, with 188 alleging mistreatment. Gvaramia was reportedly arrested during a search of the opposition office on Wednesday, facing charges including petty hooliganism.
International Condemnation
Germany, France, and Poland have jointly condemned the Georgian government’s actions against the pro-European protests. In a statement, the three foreign ministries denounced the violence against opposition figures and journalists. They expressed regret over police operations targeting opposition party offices and civil society organizations, demanding the immediate release of those arrested.
## “A Nation Divided: the Fallout of Protests in Tbilisi”
**an Expert Interview with Dr.Thea Gagua, Caucasus Political Analyst**
**World Today News:** tbilisi was rocked by violent clashes last night between pro-European protesters and security forces.Dr. Thea Gagua, a leading Caucasus political analyst, joins us today to shed light on the unfolding situation. Dr.Gagua, welcome.
**Dr. gagua:** Thank you for having me.
**World Today News:** The protests were sparked by a draft law seen as hindering Georgia’s European Union candidacy.Can you elaborate on the specifics of this law and why it ignited such a strong reaction?
**Dr. Gagua:** The draft law introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party proposed restrictive measures on non-governmental organizations, especially those receiving foreign funding. Protesters view it as a direct attack on civil society and an attempt to stifle self-reliant voices critical of the government. This comes at a time when Georgia is actively seeking EU candidate status, making the timing particularly controversial.
**World Today News:** We’ve seen videos circulating on social media showing protestors launching fireworks at the parliament building. What does this escalation of tactics signify?
**Dr. Gagua:** This escalation suggests a growing sense of frustration and desperation amongst protesters. They feel their voices are not being heard and that peaceful demonstrations are being ignored. the use of fireworks, while risky, can be seen as a desperate attempt to make their message heard forcefully.
**World Today News:** How have Georgian authorities responded to the protests?
**Dr. Gagua:** The government’s response has been a mix of condemnation and force. They have condemned the violence, insisting the protests are orchestrated by “destructive forces” seeking to undermine Georgia’s stability. However, their deployment of riot police and their use of force against protestors has further inflamed tensions.
**World Today News:** What are the potential consequences of this unrest,both domestically and internationally?
**Dr. Gagua:** The situation in Tbilisi raises serious concerns. Domestically, the violence threatens to deepen the political divide in Georgia. It also risks deterring foreign investment and undermining Georgia’s economy. Internationally, the clashes will likely harm Georgia’s chances of securing EU candidate status, as it paints a negative picture of the country’s political landscape.
**World Today News:** What are the most likely scenarios moving forward?
**Dr. Gagua:** The coming days will be crucial. The government needs to de-escalate the situation by engaging in meaningful dialog with protesters and addressing their concerns. Failure to do so could lead to further violence and instability, pushing Georgia further away from its European aspirations.
**World Today News:** Dr. Gagua, thank you for your insightful analysis. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.
**Dr. Gagua:** Thank you.
