protests in Tbilisi have been taking place as last Thursday, when Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobahidze announced that Georgia will withdraw from accession negotiations with the European Union (EU) until the end of 2028.
Clashes broke out during the demonstrations, and the police used disproportionate force against the protesters.
The Ministry of the Interior of Georgia announced on Monday that more than 220 people were detained and more than 100 police officers were injured during the protests in the previous four nights.
For the first four nights, the police waited until dawn before dispersing the protesters outside parliament. But on Monday night, the police used force much earlier.
The pro-Western president Salome Zurabishvili stated on the “X” platform that many of the detained protesters have injuries and bruises on their faces,as well as broken bones. Referring to the lawyers who represent the detainees, she reported that several people were systematically beaten between their arrests and their transfer to detention centers.
Opposition parties and Zurabishvili do not recognize the election results, considering them to be fake, and are boycotting the new parliamentary term.On Sunday, the President called for new parliamentary elections to be announced.
According to the official results, the “Georgian Dream” party, which has been in power for ten years and is accused of getting closer to Russia, won the Georgian parliamentary elections on october 26.
Zurabishvili believes that the new parliamentary term is unconstitutional and is trying to get the election results annulled through the Constitutional Court.
What are teh main causes of unrest in Tbilisi related to Georgia’s EU accession negotiations?
Title: Tensions Rise in Tbilisi: An Interview with Political Expert Dr. Nino Kakabadze
Q: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kakabadze. Can you provide an overview of the recent unrest in Tbilisi following the georgian government’s proclamation regarding EU accession negotiations?
A: Absolutely. The protests erupted after Prime Minister Irakli Kobahidze’s unexpected announcement that Georgia would withdraw from EU accession negotiations until at least 2028. This decision has heightened tensions not only among citizens but also raised concerns about Georgia’s geopolitical alignment, especially as many fear growing ties with Russia amidst domestic discontent.
Q: Why do you think the protestors reacted so strongly to the Prime Minister’s announcement?
A: The announcement struck a nerve with pro-Western citizens and lawmakers, who believe that EU integration is crucial for Georgia’s future. The sentiment is deeply rooted in a desire for democratic reforms and the rule of law, which the EU accession represents. When coupled with allegations of systemic violence from the police against demonstrators—more than 220 arrests and numerous injuries—it sparked an explosive reaction.
Q: There have been reports of police using disproportionate force.What implications does this have for governance and civil rights in Georgia?
A: The excessive use of force can erode public trust in law enforcement and government institutions. It also raises serious concerns about human rights violations. With the Interior Ministry citing injuries sustained by numerous detainees, this creates an surroundings of fear that not only deters individuals from exercising their rights but also sends a message that dissent will be met with violence, stifling democratic engagement.
Q: In this context, how is President Salome Zurabishvili responding to the situation?
A: President Zurabishvili is vocal in her condemnation of the violence and is advocating for new parliamentary elections. Her stance reflects a significant division in Georgian politics. The opposition, alongside Zurabishvili, challenging the legitimacy of the recent elections indicates a critical moment for Georgia’s democracy, as both leaders and citizens call into question the “Georgian Dream” party’s grip on power.
Q: What are the potential consequences if new elections are not called?
A: If new elections are not held, we might see continued unrest and a delegitimized government, which could lead to deeper instability. Furthermore, failure to address public demands could catalyze a broader movement for systemic change in governance, ultimately affecting Georgia’s international relations and its aspirations for EU integration.
Q: For those seeking to understand the broader implications of these events, what could they mean for international relations in the region?
A: the situation in Georgia is emblematic of larger geopolitical tensions in the South Caucasus region. Increased nationalistic sentiments can lead to polarization between pro-Russian elements and the pro-European populace. Depending on how the situation unfolds,we could see significant realignment of alliances,impacting trade and security dynamics in the region. It’s a crucial moment for observers to monitor how local governance choices affect international partnerships.
Q: what advice would you give to readers looking to stay informed about the ongoing situation in Georgia?
A: I would encourage readers to seek diverse sources of data and engage with analytical pieces that provide context to the headlines. Following local and international news agencies, participating in discussions on platforms that advocate for civil rights, and supporting NGOs working within Georgia can foster a better understanding of this complex situation. Staying connected to civil society movements can also empower citizens in their efforts for democratic engagement.
Q: Thank you,Dr. Kakabadze, for your insights into this pressing issue.
A: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial we remain vigilant in these trying times and support the aspirations of the georgian people for a democratic and inclusive society.