Mayhem in Georgia as protesters armed with home-made ‘ROCKET LAUNCHERS’ blast riot police: Chaos deepens as pro-EU campaigners and cops conflict in fiery road battles, with over 100 arrested
More than 100 protesters were arrested in Georgia as chaos erupted for the second night following the government’s decision to delay EU membership talks.
Demonstrators could be seen hurling fireworks at riot police, as officers were spotted retaliating with water cannons as the pandemonium ensued.
Witnesses reported seeing protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country’s parliament.
Heavy force was also against members of the media as well as loudspeakers being used to shout profanities and insults at the crowds.
The country’s interior ministry has since confirmed today that around 107 people have been taken into custody following the violent clashes on Friday.
It was the second night of protests after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the country’s ruling Georgian Dream party announced the discussions on Georgia’s bid to join the EU will be delayed until 2028.
Although the Georgian Prime Minister has boiled the decision down to ‘blackmail’ from the EU bloc, many fear the government plan on moving away from the EU and building a closer relationship with Vladimir Putin and Russia.
The two nights of protest also came after the European Parliament condemned the country’s election in October, saying it was neither free nor fair.
More than 100 protesters were arrested in Georgia as chaos erupted in the streets for the second night following the government’s decision to delay EU membership talks
The government interior ministry confirmed the number of arrests following a second night of violent clashes between pro-EU demonstrators
Water cannons being used by authorities in Tbilisi, Georgia, as protesters gathered outside of Parliament (Pictured)
The protests ensued after the government announced they would be delaying talks to join the EU until 2028 (Pictured: Activists standing near a fire)
Witnesses reported seeing protesters in Tbilisi being chased and beaten by police as demonstrators rallied in front of the country’s parliament building
Georgian Dream Party’s parliamentary election victory on October 26 has been disputed, as the opposition claim the vote was rigged with the help of Russia.
Government supporters were allegedly seen stuffing ballots, beating up election monitors and buying votes as the Black Sea nation went to the polls.
The ruling Georgian Dream party, under a shadowy oligarch founder known as ‘The Python’, switched to openly support Moscow following Putin’s 2022 invasion despite the country being the most pro-Western in the region.
The party was originally forecast to get just 35 per cent of the vote in last months election, but managed to later walk away with 54 per cent of the vote.
The EU have also encouraged Georgia to re-hold the election under international supervision in the next year.
According to opinion polls, becoming a part of the European Union was a popular choice among many in the country, with joining the diplomatic mission being a part of Georgia’s constitution.
Hundreds of government staff have also signed an open letter after EU discussions were halted branding it as unconstitutional.
The country had previously been given EU candidate status in December last year, however it was stopped indefinitely this June.
It came as a ‘foreign influence’ law, which was perceived to be an assault on democracy, was passed.
Businesses have also encouraged the government to reassess their decision, according to Sky News.
A man washes his eyes after police used tear gas to disperse pro-EU protesters protesting outside Parliament
The two nights of protest came after the European Parliament condemned the country’s election in October, saying it was neither free nor fair
Georgian Dream Party’s parliamentary election victory on October 26 has been disputed, as the opposition claim the vote was rigged with the help of Russia
A protester holding the European flag in front of a makeshift barricade on fire during the demonstration
The party was originally forecast to get just 35 per cent of the vote, but managed to later walked away with 54 per cent of the vote
Protesters wearing masks and goggles outside Parliament in the capital of Tbilisi
The EU have also encouraged Georgia to re-hold the election under international supervision in the next year
Georgian president, Salome Zourabichvili, joined protesters on Thursday after accusing the government of declaring ‘war’ on its own people.
In an address to the nation on Friday, she urged police not to use force against protesters.
Prime Minister, Mr Kobakhidze characterised the protests on Saturday as ‘violent demonstrations’, adding that he would not give in to demands.
Mr Kobakhidze also said that Georgia remained committed to European integration.
‘We will continue on our path toward the European Union; however, we will not allow anyone to keep us in a constant state of blackmail and manipulation, which is utterly disrespectful to our country and society,’ he said.
‘We must clearly show certain European politicians and bureaucrats, who are completely devoid of European values, that they must speak to Georgia with dignity, not through blackmail and insults.’
