Georgians rally in Tbilisi against EU negotiation halt
Thousands of citizens gathered in Tbilisi on Friday to express their dissatisfaction with the Georgian government's current actions. The protests were a response to the authorities' decision to halt negotiations on joining the European Union. This marks another wave of social discontent in the country, where residents express their aspirations for closer cooperation with the EU.
The Echo of the Caucasus service (a branch of Radio Liberty) reported that, according to witnesses, there are more protesters than on Thursday. Rustaveli Avenue in front of the parliament is blocked. Numerous recordings and photos from the scene have already been shared.
The protest is proceeding peacefully, but special forces and equipment to suppress demonstrations are prepared nearby.
On Thursday night into Friday, around 6 PM Eastern Time, officers began to pacify the protest, using water cannons and tear gas, among other measures. According to official data, 43 people were detained, and dozens of protesters were injured, including about 20 journalists, as reported by the NewsGeorgia portal.
Demonstrations also occur in other Georgian cities, including Batumi and Kutaisi.
