In Tbilisi, the fourth night of protests against the "Georgian Dream" escalated into harsh crackdowns and mass arrests of ordinary citizens who wish to see their country as part of the EU.
We report on what transpired during the fourth night of protests in Georgia.
On the fourth night of protests on Rustaveli Avenue, special forces deployed tear gas, while the protesters responded with pyrotechnics. In the morning, the police began clearing the avenue, leading to mass arrests, including near metro stations.
Georgian citizens protesting against the government and the suspension of the country's European choice used fireworks, green laser pointers, and "Molotov cocktails" against the police. In response, law enforcement employed water cannons, gas, and forcefully attempted to disperse the crowd—twisting arms and kicking.
During the dispersal of the demonstration, numerous arrests were reported. Earlier, there were reports that detention facilities were already filled following mass arrests in previous days.
According to local media, one of the leaders of the opposition coalition "For Change," Zurab Girchi Japaridze, was arrested during the protest in Tbilisi.
Meanwhile, pro-Russian Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their effective work, stating that the protests are a planned action funded by other countries.
In the meantime, several representatives of Georgia in the European Union and the United States announced their resignation in protest against the government's decision to suspend the EU accession process until 2028.