Protests in Georgia intensified after the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party suspended EU accession talks, drawing condemnation and widespread demonstrations. Thousands gathered in Tbilisi and other cities, demanding the restoration of EU negotiations and new elections. The government’s response included aggressive tactics, such as water cannons, tear gas, and arrests, with over 300 detainees by early December. Police raids targeted activists’ homes, violating due process, and media workers were assaulted, obstructed, and injured while covering protests. Opposition leaders also faced violence and arbitrary arrests. International bodies and leaders, including NATO and the U.S., condemned the crackdown, urging respect for human rights and democratic principles. Despite severe repression, civil society’s unwavering support for democracy and European integration persists, signaling a strong determination for change and resilience in the face of adversity. Read more here.
Source: cso meter