Georgia is currently experiencing significant political turmoil following widespread protests against the government's decision to suspend talks for European Union membership. The unrest escalated after the ruling party, Georgian Dream, won parliamentary elections on October 26, elections which the opposition denounced as rigged. Protesters flocked to the streets of the capital, Tbilisi, protesting this perceived electoral injustice and the government's subsequent actions.
The situation turned particularly violent last week when police intervened to clear protestors from outside the parliament building. During the early hours of December 4, police utilized tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators, leading to clashes and chaos throughout the city. Authorities have confirmed at least 15 hospitalizations, including six demonstrators and several officials as injuries ranged from minor to severe.
The previous week had seen rising tensions, with protests kicking off against Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement halting EU discussions until 2028. This decision was perceived as giving in to Russian influence, which has caused alarm among the population as Georgia has long aspired for closer ties with the West. Many feel the ruling party’s actions are betraying the nation's path toward European integration.
Officers conducted raids on the premises of opposition parties, most prominently targeting the United National Movement led by former President Mikheil Saakashvili, and Coalition for Change, arresting key figures like Nika Gvaramia. Reports indicate Gvaramia faced harsh treatment, with stunning accounts of being rendered unconscious during his arrest, highlighting the authoritarian tactics increasingly employed by the Georgian state.
Adding to the unrest, the opposition youth movement leader, Zviad Tsetskhladze, was also detained, bringing fresh scrutiny to the government’s increasingly heavy-handed measures against dissent
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has criticized the government’s tactics, calling for international allies to exert pressure on the ruling party to halt its violent approach to protests. “There is no greater danger than this slide toward authoritarianism,” she stated on social media, urging partners to respond appropriately.
The political climate in Georgia is particularly tense as allegations of electoral fraud linger. Multi-party protests have intensified over the past week, resulting in over 300 arrests since the government’s crackdown commenced. Prime Minister Kobakhidze described the protests as liberal fascism, accusing the opposition of exploiting youths, and urged parents to shield their children from these protests.
The crackdown has also drawn widespread condemnation from international observers and human rights organizations. The UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called on the Georgian government to cease the unwarranted use of force, emphasizing the importance of the right to peaceful assembly. Concerns over state violence are echoed by local rights advocates who assert law enforcement has engaged in acts of brutality against demonstrators.
PEN International, among numerous human rights groups, has voiced alarm over police aggression toward both peaceful protesters and journalists reporting on the events. Instances of writers and activists being targeted, faced with arbitrary arrests and brutality, have raised fears of suppression of free speech. They demand accountability for police misconduct and call for the immediate release of those held for practicing their rights.
With protests persisting over multiple nights, the Georgian authorities face increasing criticism both domestically and internationally. The EU’s suspension of financial support and accession discussions has alarmed many, who view this as detrimental not only to the nation’s pro-EU aspirations but to its broader democratic principles.
Public discontent has grown rapidly, culminating in calls for the resignation of the ruling party and renewed dialogue for democratic reforms. Citizens from all walks of life have joined the protests, united under the demand for accountability and transparency throughout the political process.
Each night brings fresh demonstrations, with participants reitering their calls for justice, reform, and the resumption of earnest discussions on EU membership. The people of Georgia not only want their voices heard but are fervently rejecting any drift toward authoritarianism.
The government’s approach will be closely monitored as protests continue and opposition members remain defiant. Citizens are prepared for both peaceful and potentially tumultuous action should the government continue to employ aggressive tactics against peaceful assembly.
