Police in Georgia used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse protesters attempting to breach the presidential palace during a municipal election marred by opposition boycotts and a crackdown on dissent. Demonstrators in Tbilisi voiced discontent with the ruling party, Georgian Dream, accusing it of undermining democratic values and aligning the nation with Russia rather than the European Union, a goal enshrined in the constitution.
Georgian Dream’s decision to halt EU accession talks triggered widespread protests, met with arrests and police brutality. Critics likened the government’s repressive tactics to those in Russia, where dissent is harshly suppressed. Despite legislative measures targeting demonstrators, rights groups, NGOs, and independent media, protests persisted, fueled by grievances against a regime accused of imprisoning opposition leaders, censoring critical voices, and using force against peaceful assemblies.
“We fight for our rights and independence,” declared protester Sophio Asatiani, emphasizing the rejection of a return to Soviet-era domination by Moscow. Rally organizers, led by opera singer Paata Burchuladze, urged protesters to reclaim power from a government accused of silencing dissent through arrests, fines, and media restrictions.
Some demonstrators attempted to breach the presidential palace, symbolizing opposition calls for a “peaceful revolution” ahead of the election. With most critical parties boycotting, voter turnout was low, reinforcing claims of electoral irregularities. Political analyst Giorgi Rukhadze dismissed the vote as a sham, advocating nonviolent resistance as a means to challenge Georgian Dream’s grip on power.
Georgian police deemed the ongoing rally a violation of public assembly laws without specifying details. Following the election, which proceeded without significant disruptions, results were pending announcement. Despite international and local observer groups monitoring the vote, major watchdog organizations abstained, citing concerns over the deteriorating political and legal climate under Georgian Dream’s rule.
