Tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets for the 11th consecutive day on Sunday, protesting the government’s abrupt decision to halt negotiations on joining the European Union. Meanwhile, journalists covering the unrest reported brutal attacks, underscoring the growing tensions in the capital, Tbilisi.
Protests Intensify Over EU Membership Suspension
The decision by the ruling Georgian Dream party to pause EU accession talks has ignited outrage across the country. Demonstrators have thronged Rustaveli Avenue outside the Georgian parliament daily, denouncing what they see as a betrayal of the nation’s European aspirations.
Police have ramped up measures to suppress the protests, resorting to water cannons, tear gas, and forceful dispersals. The unrest escalated further over the weekend, with protesters building barricades and clashing with riot police, who used batons to quell the demonstrations.
“We refuse to give up our future in Europe,” said Levan, a protester holding a Georgian and EU flag. “This is about more than policy—it’s about identity and democracy.”
Journalists Targeted Amid Chaos
Journalists covering the rallies have become unintended victims of the violence. On Saturday night, Maka Chikhladze and her colleague from the independent Pirveli TV channel were attacked by a group of men dressed in black.
Chikhladze recounted how the assailants first assaulted protesters before turning on her team. She was pushed to the ground while her colleague sustained a head injury, and their equipment was stolen.
“They’re trying to silence us,” Chikhladze told AP. “This isn’t just an attack on journalists—it’s an attack on truth.”
Georgian Dream officials denied allegations that the government orchestrated these attacks, but journalists argue otherwise. On Sunday, hundreds of media workers marched down Rustaveli Avenue, demanding accountability and an end to violence against the press.
Violence Spreads Beyond the Protests
The hostility hasn’t been confined to the streets. In a separate incident on Saturday, a protester named Koba Khabazi was attacked by masked men outside the opposition Ahali party’s offices. Witnesses described how Khabazi was beaten to the ground and repeatedly kicked.
Khabazi later showed journalists his head injuries, calling the attack a deliberate act of intimidation. The opposition party accused the government of using fear tactics to deter dissent.
What’s at Stake for Georgia?
The protests are rooted in a deeper conflict over Georgia’s future. The country’s European aspirations, once seen as a unifying goal, have become a flashpoint of political strife. The October parliamentary elections, which retained Georgian Dream’s majority, were widely criticized as rigged by the opposition and independent observers.
President Salome Zourabichvili, who has championed Georgia’s EU integration, accused the ruling party of working against the will of the people. “This government is gambling with our future,” she said in a televised statement.
The suspension of EU talks comes at a critical juncture, as Georgia faces pressure from both Europe and its powerful neighbor, Russia. Critics say the government’s actions risk undermining years of progress toward closer ties with the West.
The Human Cost of Political Conflict
Beyond the political implications, the ongoing unrest is taking a toll on ordinary citizens and media workers.
- Journalist injuries: Reports indicate several reporters remain hospitalized with serious injuries, highlighting the dangers of covering the protests.
- Public outrage: Activists have decried the use of “state-sanctioned thugs” to suppress dissent, a claim denied by officials.
While the government maintains that it is committed to restoring order, protesters argue that peace will only come with renewed EU negotiations and accountability for the violence.
The situation remains tense as both sides dig in, leaving Georgia at a crossroads—one that will determine its place in Europe and the world.
