Published November 30,2024
Subscribe
Mass protests in Tbilisi have escalated as demonstrators rallied in opposition to Georgia‘s resolution to postpone EU accession talks till 2028.
President Salome Zurabishvili criticized on Saturday the federal government’s dealing with of the protests, condemning the police intervention and invoking European beliefs.
“It is Europe and the European ideal that these Russian proxies are deliberately and savagely crushing on the Tbilisi streets. Wake up Europe!” Zurabishvili declared on her X account, emphasizing the Georgian individuals’s dedication to EU integration.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the suspension, arguing that it didn’t sign an finish to the nation’s EU ambitions.
He accused protesters of resorting to violence, saying: “Serious damage was caused by the use of Molotov cocktails, stones, and other heavy objects against the police. Over 50 officers were injured, and 20 required surgery.”
Kobakhidze additionally referred to as on police to train restraint, including: “I urge the police to exercise maximum patience and refrain from excessive force. A few unfortunate incidents occurred yesterday, and such incidents should not happen again in the future.”
CLASHES LEAVE DOZENS INJURED
Overnight clashes between protesters and police resulted in 107 arrests, with a number of journalists and demonstrators injured.
Police used water cannons and tear fuel to disperse crowds after demonstrators threw fireworks and objects.
Protesters additionally set objects on hearth throughout the confrontation.
Georgia’s EU accession bid, initiated in 2022, confronted delays after the controversial “Transparency of Foreign Influence” regulation sparked debates.
Kobakhidze accused European politicians of interference, saying: “Considering all this, we have decided not to bring the issue of initiating negotiations with the EU to the agenda until the end of 2028.”
The protests spotlight rising tensions as Georgian residents proceed to advocate for nearer ties with the EU.
Source: www.anews.com.tr