Clashes Erupt in Georgia Amid Pro-European Protests
In a significant escalation of tensions in Georgia, clashes between police and pro-European Union protesters resulted in 26 injuries on Monday night, according to the Health Ministry. The injured included 23 protesters and three police officers, highlighting the ongoing unrest that has seen over 240 protesters injured since the demonstrations began last Thursday. The protests, largely organized online and lacking a centralized leadership, have been described by President Salome Zurabishvili as an "unprecedented movement" against what she terms a "Russian puppet regime."
The unrest has spread beyond the streets, with solidarity strikes emerging in schools, public institutions, and businesses across the country. This grassroots mobilization reflects a growing discontent with the current government led by Prime Minister Irakli Khobadidze, who has faced accusations of electoral fraud following the October 26 legislative elections. Despite the opposition's calls to invalidate the election results, the Constitutional Court ruled against these requests, stating that the complaints were not accepted as constitutional.
Government Response and International Concerns
Prime Minister Khobadidze has dismissed the possibility of negotiations with opposition groups, asserting that his government is committed to integrating Georgia into the European Union. He has also suggested that the protests are being financed from abroad, warning that "there will be no revolution in Georgia." In a further escalation of rhetoric, he accused opposition leaders of orchestrating the recent violence and stated that they would be held accountable for their actions.
Internationally, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed concern over the violence, condemning it and urging the Georgian government to promote peace and stability. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential further confrontations, with the opposition continuing to rally against what they perceive as an illegitimate government.
