Protesters set Georgian parliament ablaze amid anti-government demonstrations

Protests in Tbilisi took a dramatic turn late November 30 night as demonstrators set fire to the Georgian Parliament building, escalating tensions in the capital.

According to on-site reports, protesters had been launching fireworks and throwing firecrackers at the building for hours. One firecracker entered through a window, triggering a fire inside the parliament. Emergency services were called to extinguish the blaze, Caliber.Az reports.

The protests, sparked by the government’s decision to suspend European Union accession talks until 2028, have been ongoing for several days, drawing tens of thousands of demonstrators to Rustaveli Avenue. Protesters have accused the government of betraying the country's aspirations for closer ties with Europe.

Barricades and growing Unrest

Earlier in the evening, protesters erected barricades near the parliament building, using metal sheets and benches removed from nearby sidewalks. Demonstrators stated that the barricades were intended to resist potential interventions by riot police and water cannons.

Despite the heightened tensions, clashes between protesters and law enforcement had not yet occurred at the time of reporting. Police have refrained from direct engagement, although additional forces have been deployed around the parliament building.

Previous clashes and accusations of violence

The unrest follows two nights of violent confrontations between protesters and police. Security forces used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds, resulting in injuries to both demonstrators and officers. According to Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, 42 police officers suffered severe injuries, including burns and fractures. Protesters have accused the police of excessive force, with reports that water cannons contained a chemical irritant.

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has called on protesters to act within the law, warning that violations will be met with legal consequences. Over the past two days, authorities have detained approximately 150 protesters.

Government and public reactions

President Salome Zourabichvili addressed the nation, stating she would not resign despite the expiration of her mandate, citing the parliament’s "illegitimacy." She declared, “Until a legitimate parliament is elected, I will remain your president.”

Meanwhile, the State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia issued a statement alleging that the protests are part of a coordinated attempt at a violent seizure of power. The claim has further fueled the divide between the government and opposition groups.

Adding to the political fallout, Georgian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Davit Solomonia, resigned in protest over police violence, stating his opposition to the government’s handling of the situation.

Looking ahead

As tensions continue to rise, the situation in Tbilisi remains volatile. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations, demanding accountability and a return to EU integration talks. The government, however, has shown no signs of backing down, setting the stage for further confrontations.

Authorities have urged calm and dialogue, but with barricades and flames lighting up the streets of Tbilisi, the path forward appears uncertain.