Demonstrators block Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi amid ongoing protests

Anti-government demonstrators have blocked Rustaveli Avenue in the heart of Tbilisi, where the Georgian parliament building is located.

Approximately one thousand protesters gathered in front of the parliament building, marking the latest in a series of daily protests that have taken place since November 28, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

 As the number of participants increased, protesters moved onto the carriageway, effectively blocking traffic. Only a small contingent of police officers is present at the scene. Typically, the bulk of the protesters assemble around 21:00 local time.

Earlier, State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) accused the protest organizers, allegedly coordinated by foreign intelligence services, of attempting to overthrow the government by force and destabilize the country ahead of the December 14 presidential election. The SSG also warned that the intensity of the rallies would increase through the day, with concerns that the protests could escalate into violence, potentially resulting in casualties.

The wave of protests in Georgia began on November 28, with nightly rallies held in front of parliament. These protests often extend into the early hours and sometimes end with riot police using special means to disperse demonstrators. However, the past three days have seen no involvement from riot police in dispersing the crowds.

The protests were sparked by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement that the ruling party, Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia, would not include discussions on European Union accession in the national agenda until at least 2028.

The government also decided to forgo EU budgetary grants, citing continuous blackmail from the EU regarding the start of accession talks, demands to repeal certain laws passed by the parliament, and calls for sanctions against Georgian authorities.

By Vafa Guliyeva