Journalism of Courage
Pro-EU demonstrations continued for a fourth consecutive night in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, with clashes intensifying between protestors and police following the government’s decision to suspend talks on European Union membership. (AP photo)
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported 21 injured police officers and 224 arrests during the protests, which saw thousands of demonstrators rallying across the country. (AP photo)
Police deployed tear gas and water cannons in response to the unrest. (AP photo)
President Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal advocate for EU integration, expressed solidarity with the protests, stating on X, "The determination in the streets shows no signs of stopping!" She has called for pressure on the Constitutional Court to annul last month’s elections, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of rigging the results. (AP photo)
The protests have spread beyond Tbilisi, with demonstrators blocking roads to the Black Sea port of Poti and holding rallies in at least eight towns, including Khashuri, where Georgian Dream offices were pelted with eggs, according to opposition media. (AP photo)
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed calls for new elections, despite growing tensions between his government and opposition forces accusing him of authoritarian, pro-Russian policies. (AP photo)
Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Georgia has pursued closer ties with the West, achieving EU candidate status last year and aspiring for NATO membership. (AP photo)
