Demonstrators carrying European and Georgian flags marched along the main street of Tbilisi and then organized a rally in front of the parliament. — Georgia belongs to Europe and we will not allow the pro-Russian government, which clings to power thanks to electoral fraud, to deprive us of our European future, the AFP agency quotes one of the participants of the demonstration, phiologist Ciała Nodia.
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How many people protested in Tbilisi?
Why did Georgia suspend the EU accession process?
What flags were carried by the demonstrators?
How many people were detained during the protests?
On November 28, 2024, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia was suspending talks with the European Union on membership in this organization until 2028. According to the head of government, talks on joining the EU were used as an instrument to blackmail the country and “integration with the EU cannot be categorically considered as a (gesture of) mercy.”
The police detained 400 people
The Georgian government's decision caused a wave of protests that lasted for several weeks. The police used force to disperse the demonstrations. Cases were initiated against some of the detainees under articles of the Penal Code concerning the organization or participation in group violence, damage to property, assaults on police officers and the preparation of explosives.
According to the Georgian Ministry of Interior, over 400 demonstrators were detained during the protests. As the AFP agency writes, Georgia's candidacy for EU membership is enshrined in the country's constitution and, according to polls, enjoys support of 80 percent. society.
