Tensions in Georgia escalated on Saturday as anti-government protesters clashed with police while attempting to storm the presidential palace in the capital, Tbilisi. The demonstrations, driven by anger over disputed elections and the government’s suspension of European Union (EU) talks, turned violent, leading to multiple arrests and injuries.
Police said five people were detained, including opera singer and protest organiser Paata Burchuladze. He had earlier called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to side with the people and detain senior figures from the ruling Georgian Dream party. Authorities reported that 21 police officers and six protesters were hospitalized after the clashes.
Security forces deployed water cannons and pepper spray to disperse demonstrators, who had marched through central Tbilisi waving Georgian and EU flags. Many protesters accused the ruling party mockingly dubbed “Russian Dream” of steering the country away from Europe and toward Moscow’s influence.
The unrest coincided with local elections, largely boycotted by the opposition amid a government crackdown on dissent. Georgian Dream claimed overwhelming victories across all municipalities, winning more than 80% of the vote. Opposition groups have denounced the results as fraudulent.
Witnesses described chaotic scenes near the presidential compound on Atoneli Street. “It was very chaotic, and the police were running and arresting people,” said Irakli, 24, who fled the clashes. “Our eyes were tearing up, and it was getting harder to breathe.”
The protests reflect growing frustration among young Georgians, many of whom accuse the government of authoritarian tactics. Protesters have been fined heavily for “blocking the streets,” while opposition leaders and journalists face imprisonment.
Demonstrations have rocked Tbilisi nightly since November, when the government paused EU accession talks. Protesters are demanding the release of political prisoners and the announcement of snap parliamentary elections moves seen as essential to restoring faith in Georgia’s democracy.
