Georgians across the country took to the streets to protest the ruling Georgian Dream’s decision to suspend EU accession efforts until 2028. The decision was announced on November 28 by PM Irakli Kobakhidze, who also mentioned that the government would refuse any budgetary support from the European Union. Almost immediately after the Prime Minister’s briefing, people took to the streets in protest, gathering in Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Batumi and Gori.
The peaceful demonstrations were again dispersed by force late in the evening, and then several times throughout the night. Tear gas, pepper spray and water cannons, which jetted water allegedly mixed with chemicals, were actively used against the peaceful demonstrators. According to MIA’s November 29 statement, nearly 50 people were arrested yesterday. The dispersal was particularly brutal, with beatings upon detentions. Tens of journalists who were performing their professional duties, were attacked and beaten by special forces, and unidentified men dressed in black with no insignia who took part in the dispersal and hunted down the demonstrators in what appeared to be a deliberate targeting. Several opposition figures were also attacked and beaten. and beaten.
Civil.ge‘s Guram Muradov captured memorable moments from the protest:
Demonstrators gather in front of GD HQ in Tbilisi. Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.gePolice mobilization in front of GD HQ in Tbilisi. Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.gePolice mobilization in front of GD HQ in Tbilisi. Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.geProtest against aborting EU accession talks, Nov. 29, 2024, Photo: Nini GabritchidzeA standoff between protesters and police on Chichinadze Street, a side street of the parliament, November 29, 2024; Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.geDemonstrators of the protest, Guram Muradov/Civil.geWomen screaming at riot police arresting demonstrators. Photo: Guram MuradovPresident Zurabishvili speaks to special forces during the rally. Photo: Anano AsatianiDemonstrators set garbage on fire to warm themselves after getting wet from water canons. Photo: Nini GabritchidzeDemonstrators set garbage on fire to warm themselves after getting wet from water canons. Photo: Nini GabritchidzeDemonstrators build barricades to shield themselves from special forces. Photo: Nini GabritchidzeDemonstration against GD’s decision to abort EU accession. Photo: Vano GorgishviliDemonstration against GD’s decision to abort EU accession. Photo: Vano GorgishviliPolice arrest demonstrators. Photo: Guram MuradovDemonstrators try to break through the iron fence in front of the parliament. Photo: Guram MuradovPeople make noise by hitting the iron fence in front of the parliament. Photo: Guram MuradovDemonstrators making noise by hitting fence in front of the parliament. Photo: Guram MuradovDemonstrators talk to police, urging them to join the protest. Photo: Guram MuradovA woman feels unwell after riot police try to break up the rally. Photo: Guram MuradovPolice mobilization next to the Parliament. Photo: Guram MuradovDemonstration against GD’s decision to abort EU accession. Photo: Guram MuradovCamera man injured from tear gas. Photo: Guram MuradovDemonstrators use iron boards previously installed in front of the parliament to shield themselves from the special forces. Photo: Guram MuradovDemonstrators use board previously installed in front of the parliament to shield themselves from the special forces. Photo: Guram MuradovRiot police arrests a demonstrator. Photo: Guram MuradovProtesters injured from tear gas. Photo: Guram MuradovWater canons used to disperse the rally. Photo: Guram MuradovDemonstrators face the water in close to zero degree Celsius weather. Photo: Guram MuradovDemonstrators hold the EU flag while facing the water cannons. Photo: Guram MuradovGerman journalist injured during the rally dispersal. Photo: Guram MuradovMasked MIA employees dispersing the protesters, Photo: Guram Muradov
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