On Nov. 28, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the country would put on hold the process of EU accession until at least 2028. Kobakhidze cited efforts by Brussels to use the accession talks to meddle in Georgia’s internal affairs as the reason behind his decision. In response, large anti-government demonstrations have resumed in Tbilisi, with many protesters turning increasingly violent. This began Thursday night, Nov. 28, after the announcement and continued through Friday night.
Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Interior Alexander Darakhvelidze said at a briefing Nov. 30 that 42 police officers have been “injured heavily as a result of violent actions of protesters” over the past two days, according to a report in TASS. Videos of the protests show clearly that protesters were shooting fireworks at police, and other reports show “protesters” throwing heavy objects, rocks, and construction equipment at officers. Blockades have also been set up and fires lit throughout the city. As of Nov. 30, police have detained at least 150 protesters.
