Protests in Georgia continue, special forces mobilized.

Protesters in Tbilisi block traffic on Rustaveli Avenue

In Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, an evening rally is ongoing on Rustaveli Avenue on December 1 against the government's decision to freeze negotiations on the country's accession to the European Union until 2028. Protesters have blocked traffic on Rustaveli Avenue near the parliament building. A special forces unit has been mobilized in the Freedom Square area, and water cannons are prepared for a potential dispersal of the rally. This was reported by the Georgian publication Sova.

Anti-government protest in Tbilisi pic.twitter.com/7MvzYAkeKi

— GLAVCOM (@GLAVCOM_UA) December 1, 2024

Areas around the parliament in Tbilisi are under police control

On the streets of Chitadze and Chichinadze, located on both sides of the parliament building, a police cordon has been established. The rally continues on nearby streets, where many protesters have gathered. A number of protesters moved from the parliament building to the Public Broadcaster street, where traffic has been blocked.

Video of the thousands-strong march in Batumi, where the anti-government rally is taking place pic.twitter.com/11Eve0YpF1

— GLAVCOM (@GLAVCOM_UA) December 1, 2024

Protests are also taking place in other cities of Georgia, such as Batumi, Poti, Kutaisi. This is already the fourth day of large-scale anti-government actions after the government's announcement to halt negotiations on EU membership for the next four years.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the country is rejecting negotiations for EU membership until 2028, noting that Georgia wants to become a member of the EU as a democratic and economically developed country. This statement has sparked new protests. Educational institutions in Georgia have also ceased operations in protest against the government’s decision.

It is worth noting that on November 28, a mass protest against the government took place in Tbilisi, which was attended by President Salome Zourabichvili. Throughout the night, law enforcement attempted to disperse the protesters.

The Ambassador of Georgia to Bulgaria, Otar Beridzeishvili, announced his resignation in protest against the Georgian government's decision to halt the country's European integration.