Tensions flare in Tbilisi as riot police clear the area around the Georgian parliament, but protesters continue to stand their ground on Rustaveli Avenue, where water cannons and barricades mark the ongoing standoff.
After hours of intense clashes, riot police in Tbilisi have succeeded in clearing the area around the Georgian parliament. The protesters, however, have not dispersed; they remain firmly positioned along Rustaveli Avenue, a symbolic heart of the capital. The heavy use of water cannons by authorities has done little to break the resolve of the demonstrators, who have once again built makeshift barricades, even using street furniture and items from nearby businesses.
The standoff has stretched into the night, with both sides showing little sign of backing down. The authorities’ efforts to push the protesters away have only escalated tensions. For hours, protesters have hurled fireworks and various objects toward the riot police, prompting the aggressive use of water cannons as the police moved to clear the parliament zone.
Protesters Take to the Streets Again
The ongoing protests are not a new development in Tbilisi. This marks the fourth consecutive night of unrest, with demonstrators rallying against the government. The protesters’ fury was sparked by what they perceive as government overreach, and their presence in the heart of the capital reflects a defiance that has steadily grown since the initial demonstrations began earlier this week.
Despite the physical and emotional toll the protests have taken, there is a sense of determination among the crowd. Protesters have now occupied a stretch of Rustaveli Avenue, with barricades acting as both shields and symbols of resistance.
Amid the chaos, fires have been set in various spots along the Avenue. While many of the protesters argue that these actions are part of their fight for freedom, critics have labelled them as acts of vandalism. “They’re no more than vandals,” said one local business owner, whose property was used in the barricades. However, the protesters themselves are unmoved by such accusations, continuing to fight for what they see as a more democratic future for their country.
- Riot police have been using water cannons and tear gas against protesters.
- Barricades have been constructed from street furniture and business materials.
- Demonstrators are maintaining their position on Rustaveli Avenue, despite police efforts.
The Back-and-Forth Between Authorities and Protesters
Tensions continue to rise between the riot police and the demonstrators, with each side becoming increasingly entrenched. The authorities’ clearing of the area around parliament did little to end the protests. In fact, it may have only hardened the resolve of those left on Rustaveli Avenue.
Many protestors claim that the actions of the police are unjust, portraying themselves as defenders of democracy, while others view them as an unruly mob. Among the protesters, shouts and chants can be heard, but also, there’s an undercurrent of anger and frustration. Similarly, the police are not without their own show of force, with a seemingly unyielding approach to maintaining control of the situation.
Some onlookers believe the presence of water cannons and the clearing of the parliament zone signals a hardline stance from the government, further stoking the flames of dissent. The back-and-forth between protesters and authorities shows no sign of easing.
For now, Rustaveli Avenue remains the focal point of the protests. The ongoing clash between demonstrators and riot police is likely to set the stage for further confrontations, as both sides prepare for what comes next.
