Georgia, back to the streets

ita eng
3 December 2024

After the controversial elections held in October, thousands have taken to the streets against the government turning away from the European Union and moving closer to Russia. But the demonstrations continue: on 29 November, especially in Tbilisi, new ones broke out. Photo and text by Onnik James Krikorian

1
Though protests had been small to moderate following last month’s parliamentary elections in Georgia, demonstrations broke out on 29 November, predominantly in Tbilisi, the capital
2
Unlike protests held in Tbilisi earlier this year, the number of those attending was low by Georgian standards, with many protesters spread out to occupy a larger area. Following a later dispersal by police, attendance was to increase in the following days
3
The protest followed a non-binding resolution by the European Parliament effectively calling October’s parliamentary elections undemocratic. The government angered many by saying that EU accession talks would be suspended until 2028
4
Most demonstrators were peaceful, with some even laughing and joking with police that had been deployed in case there were attempts to break into the Georgian parliament, a common tactic by the opposition
5
Riot police were also deployed in addition to standard police units. Though protesters had often tried to force their way through the line in the past, there were no signs of doing so in this case
6
There was little sign that the demonstrators had come equipped to resort to aggressive actions against police. The mood was relaxed
7
For most Georgians, the government's statement about suspending talks with the European Union about accession is too much. Frustrating this process is considered pro-Russian
8
Even so, some came equipped with gas masks. Under both the previous and current governments, the excessive use of tear gas to disperse protests has become the norm
9
Gas masks are now a common feature at Georgian protests
10
Overall, the demonstration remained peaceful until a small group started firing fireworks and pushed burning trash bins at police who sent in riot squads and water cannons. The following day, more people joined the protests. Since then, the protests have continued and smaller demonstrations have started in the regions.