Riot Police, Vigilantes, and Defiance: Tbilisi’s Streets Remain a Battleground
Tbilisi, Georgia, has witnessed another night of unrest as protests continue on their 11th night, with tension mounting between demonstrators and the authorities. What began as a quiet evening quickly escalated as the presence of riot police and a looming water cannon signaled that a repeat of the violence seen since November 28 was imminent.
Despite the city’s Christmas message proclaiming a “City Full of Victories” around the Freedom Square tree, the streets surrounding parliament were anything but peaceful. Eight buses filled with riot police and a water cannon were on standby to disperse protesters once again, casting a shadow over the holiday cheer.
The Scene on the Streets: Confrontation and Defiance
Though the streets near parliament appeared calm at first, the sense of normalcy was fleeting. Riot police were stationed on side streets, ready to intervene at a moment’s notice. Protesters, who have grown increasingly resilient over the past weeks, braced for another night of clashes.
For many, the mood remains defiant. Protesters gathered around metal barriers near the parliament, banging in unison. Despite the brutal crackdown, there was a sense of solidarity and even humor in the air. Shouts of “Gaumarjos!” (a traditional Georgian toast) and “Sakartvelo!” (Georgia) echoed across the square, reaffirming their commitment to resist what they see as authoritarian measures.
But the confrontation isn’t limited to the frontlines. In the shadows of the city, “vigilante police” dressed in Halloween masks or with their faces concealed have been targeting lone protesters. Reports from the scene show disturbing footage of these masked officers violently detaining and dragging individuals, including journalists, teenagers, and women, some to the point of concussion.
This disturbing practice, observed live on social media by onlookers, has raised alarm over the conduct of law enforcement. The images are a stark reminder of the harsh methods being used to suppress dissent. Many of those detained are later seen being hauled away behind police lines, their fates uncertain.
Nationwide Defiance: The Spirit of Protest Spreads
The protest movement, while primarily centered in Tbilisi, has spread across Georgia. In towns like Kutaisi and Batumi, similar scenes have played out, with citizens showing up in numbers to voice their opposition to the government.
Even in the face of violent repression, Georgians have remained steadfast in their desire for democratic freedoms. The nationwide scope of the protests and the resilience displayed by the demonstrators demonstrate that the battle for Georgia’s future is far from over.
On social media and through word of mouth, protesters continue to echo a unified message: Georgia will not be silenced by authoritarianism. A poignant symbol of their defiance is the decoration of the Georgian Dream’s Christmas tree outside parliament. As riot police prepare for another night of confrontation, it’s clear that these protests are more than just a fight for political change—they are a battle for the soul of Georgia itself.
