Georgia News : Thousands of citizens took to the streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, on Saturday, protesting against the government, alleging rigging in local body elections. Fierce clashes broke out between protesters and police as they advanced toward the Presidential Palace (Orbeliani Palace).
Police used water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse the crowd, while protesters attempted to break through barricades and enter the Presidential Palace. Several people were injured and five protesters were arrested, including renowned opera singer Pata Burchuladze.
Anger over election rigging and withdrawal from the European Union
The protests stemmed from the recent local elections, which were boycotted by opposition parties. The ruling Georgian Dream party is accused of not only committing widespread rigging of the elections but also undermining the country’s relations with the EU.Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed that protesters burned the EU flag and accused foreign diplomats, particularly the EU envoy, of collaborating in “overthrowing the constitutional order.”
Crowd Emerges from Freedom Square
Protesters marched from Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue to the Presidential Palace, waving Georgian and EU flags. Opera singer Pata Burchuladze, who was among the crowd, read out a proclamation demanding Interior Ministry officials stand with the people and the arrest of six senior leaders, including the Prime Minister.
Demand for Restoration of Democracy
Protesters are demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of approximately 60 political prisoners. Opposition parties allege that the current government is pursuing a strategy to undermine democracy and suppress the opposition.
International organizations and observers have also declared these elections “unfair” and recommended re-elections.
This entire development has once again thrown Georgian politics into turmoil, and the movement is expected to intensify in the coming days.
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