Georgian police violently disperse protesters in Tbilisi and detain over 100 people. VIDEO
On the night of 29-30 November 2024, Georgian security forces dispersed protesters gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi using force and special equipment. Police detained 107 protesters
This was reported to Newsgeorgia by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Censor.NET reports citing Suspilne.
As noted, all the detainees are charged with disobedience to police orders and disorderly conduct under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences.
The agency states that the protest "repeatedly exceeded the norms established by law".
Ten police officers were injured. One policeman remains in a medical facility with burns to various parts of his body.
"Despite numerous appeals, the protesters damaged the infrastructure of the Tbilisi City Hall and private buildings near the legislature, the protective fence of the parliament, set fire to various objects and electrical wiring, erected barricades, damaged the entrance gates of the parliament and CCTV cameras," the statement said.
At the same time, the ministry says nothing about the demonstrators and journalists who suffered from police actions.
The dispersal of the rally on Rustaveli Street lasted for almost 7 hours. The security forces used water cannons, gas capsules, pepper spray and other special means against the protesters.
The protesters tried to build barricades with whatever they had at hand: benches, garbage cans, tyres and even electric scooters. Dozens of people, including journalists, were injured in the clashes.
For two days in a row, Georgian citizens have been protesting against the decision of the Georgian Dream to abandon negotiations on joining the EU by 2028.
Due to the decision of the Georgian authorities to suspend the country's European integration process for 4 years, Rati Twalavadze, an employee of the General Staff of the Ministry of Defence of Georgia, a US and UK liaison officer in the Georgian Defence Forces, has resigned from his post. SOVA reports.
Protests in Georgia
As a reminder, on 28 November, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that his country was refusing to negotiate EU membership by 2028, as well as any budget grants from the EU.
After that , rallies began in Tbilisi.
The leader of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, joined the protesters in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi.
Georgian police brutally disperse protesters, mass arrests are made
Earlier, the European Union decided to suspend meetings with representatives of the Georgian government. This is a response to the anti-European actions and rhetoric of the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Gerczynski, said that under the current ruling party , Georgia will never become a member of the European Union.
