Clashes in Tbilisi: Over 290 detained as protests rock Georgian capital

For six consecutive days, rallies have persisted in Tbilisi, sparked by the government’s announcement that negotiations on EU membership will be postponed until 2028.

On the evening of December 3, demonstrators gathered once again in front of the parliament building, where police presence was significant, Caliber.Az reports.

Water cannon vehicles were also stationed at the site.

Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze confirmed that five individuals were detained on charges of attacking police officers and damaging property during the protests. These charges could lead to prison sentences of up to seven years.

“Police will respond to any offences within the legal framework,” Darakhvelidze emphasized during a briefing, urging protesters to remain within the bounds of the law.

Since November 28, authorities have detained 293 individuals for administrative violations related to the protests. Courts are currently processing their cases. Darakhvelidze reported that 143 Interior Ministry officers had sustained injuries due to what he described as “violent and aggressive actions” by protesters. Investigations are ongoing, and five individuals have been charged under the Criminal Code so far.

The Georgian Health Ministry reported that 147 people were hospitalized for injuries sustained during protests from Friday through Monday. These figures only account for cases handled by the Emergency Coordination and Assistance Centre.

Despite government and church appeals to keep children away from the protests, minors have increasingly joined the demonstrations, often in the most active groups.

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili sought to downplay concerns, stating that the delay in EU accession talks does not equate to abandoning European integration. “The issue has been temporarily removed from the agenda to prevent speculation and harm to the integration process,” she explained.

However, the delay has fueled opposition demands for the government to review the October 26 parliamentary elections. These elections were won by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which the opposition accuses of pro-Russian leanings.

The Constitutional Court recently rejected claims from President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition groups to annul the election results. Their complaints cited two major issues: the lack of additional polling stations abroad, which allegedly disenfranchised many voters, and concerns that the ballot design compromised vote secrecy. The court’s ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused opposition leaders, journalists, and even President Zourabichvili of orchestrating the protests, claiming that this marked the fourth failed attempt to stage a “Maidan” in Georgia.

Meanwhile, the US has expressed its dissatisfaction with the Georgian government. State Department Press Secretary Matthew Miller highlighted recent measures, including sanctions, visa restrictions, the freezing of $95 million in aid, and a pause in the US-Georgia strategic partnership.

By Tamilla Hasanova