Many thousands rally to oppose Georgian government after break with EU

1/12/2024 8:15

        Many thousands of demonstrators gathered late on Saturday in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, building barricades, breaking windows and setting off fireworks outside parliament, in protest against the government which called off talks to join the EU.
        
        Riot police responded by firing water cannon and tear gas into the crowds.
        
        The demonstrations were by far the biggest since the increasingly anti-Western ruling party was re-elected last month in a vote the pro-EU opposition says was rigged.
        
        Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the pro-EU opposition of plotting a revolution. The State Security Service said political parties were attempting to “overthrow the government by force”.