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In Tbilisi, Georgia spontaneous protests are breaking out at the ruling Georgian Dream party's unilateral decision to withdraw from the E.U. membership process today.

#GeorgiaProtests

https://civil.ge/archives/638801
Protestors outside parliament in Tbilisi Georgia.
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
This is the scene outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia right now, with several separate protests now converging in the one place. Other demonstrations are now appearing across Georgia.

The ruling party had been keeping a lid on the unrest following the rigged elections, but today's decision to withdraw from the E.U. membership process seems to be the final straw.

Georgians may now feel they have nothing left to lose.

/4

#GeorgiaProtests
Huge crowds of demonstrators outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia.
"Today marks the end of the constitutional coup unfolding for weeks. The course set months ago, taking us from Europe toward Russia, has now concluded.

Today, this illegitimate government declared not peace, but war—on its own people, past, and future."

Salome Zurabishvili,
President,
Georgia.

/5

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
"To everyone at home or who has joined the protests: Do not lose hope!

How events unfold in the coming days will be decided by society-all of us united

No compromise,no surrender-resistance. I will remain loyal to this until the end, just as you will remain loyal until the end."

Salome Zurabishvili,
President,
Georgia.

/6

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
In Georgia, the cities of Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Gori, and Telavi are all protesting tonight against the ruling party's decision to withdraw from the E.U. membership process.

While protest in Tbilisi are common, it's very rare to see protests in so many other cities, with all of them happening spontaneously. The E.U. membership decision seems to have really hit a nerve in Georgia.

/7

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
Full report on statement made by Salome Zurabishvili, outgoing President of Georgia.

https://civil.ge/archives/638925

/8

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
Phot of Salome Zurabishvili, president of Georgia.
"Today this fictional illegitimate government has declared not peace but war on its own people, it's past, it's future and its country."

Credit: Net Gazeti
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
Tbilisi, Georgia.

Having exhausted all political and constitutional means of stopping what she terms an illegitimate parliament, President Salome Zurabishvili has just joined the protestors outside parliament.

/9

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili protesting outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia.
There's still a tense stand off in Tbilisi, Georgia between protestors and riot police. There have been a few scuffles and some arrests, but the police seem unprepared to deal with the large crowd outside parliament due to its sheer size.

/14

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
"Georgia protests. Its time for our EU partners to speak out ! Do not let Russia have a free ride! Georgian people are defending European future and will do so until replay of the elections in a free and fair environment!"

Salome Zurabishvili,
President,
Georgia.

/15

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
Water canons are being used on protestors in Tbilisi, Georgia, right now, outside parliament.

/16

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
Photo of water cannons being used against protestors in Tbilisi Georgia.
"Georgia has begun efforts to disperse protesters near the Parliament building, with water cannons deployed in an attempt to break up the crowd on Chichinadze Street.

Despite the government’s efforts to disperse the protesters, the crowd on Chichinadze Street only grew larger. As water cannons were deployed, protesters responded by singing the Georgian national anthem, demonstrating their defiance against the law enforcement measures."

#GeorgiaProtests

/17

https://frontnews.ge/en/police-use-water-cannons-to-disperse-protesters-near-georgian-parliament/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
Police in Tbilisi, Georgia have cleared the area in front of parliament of protestors using water cannons. The water was mixed with pepper spray.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/18
A huge column of riot police around water cannons clear the area of protestors in front of Georgian parliament.
Tbilisi, Georgia

"Media reports indicate that members of the Coalition for Change opposition party have been injured – one of its leaders, Elene Khoshtaria, became ill after inhaling tear gas and standing under the water cannon (which reportedly has some gas mixed in), while Boris Chele Kurua suffered a head injury from a rubber bullet."

Via Civil Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/19
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
In Tbilisi, Georgia, anti government protests continued overnight. Police used excessive and unlawful force, deliberately targeting journalists and opposition politicians.

The mask has slipped on the ruling party. They are looking more Russian by the minute.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/20
"Don't bury us so soon, Georgia has been fighting for its European future for decades, even centuries, and has no intention of giving up. Don't give up on us and replace your compassion with solidarity!"

Salome Zourabichvilli,
President,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/21
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
Meanwhile, at a school in Tbilisi, Georgia, students were greeted this morning with this message on the blackboard.

"There is no class today.
The teacher went on strike.
Georgia will never be Russia!"

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/22
Blackboard as discussed in main post.

Source: Tabula
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
“I think that all of us have woken up in a completely new reality.”

Pawel Hercynski,
EU Ambassador to Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/23

https://civil.ge/archives/639126
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
"Unfortunately, what we are seeing in Georgia today is exactly the Ukrainian scenario, but of a different kind. Georgia in November 2024 is a mirror of Ukraine in November 2013.

To those in the streets of Tbilisi: your fight today is about more than being pro-European or pro-Russian; it’s about the fundamental right to live freely. You are a proud nation. Fight and prevail - don’t let them steal your future."

Dmytro Kuleba,
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Ukraine.

#StandWithGeorgia

/24
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
More reports are coming in from Georgia that schools and universities are on strike today. This is Public School No. 186 in Tbilisi.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/25
Staff at a school in Tbilisi Georgia stand in the entrance as they call a strike.
Otar Berdzanishvili, The Georgian Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria has just resigned in protest against the country’s changing foreign policy to the E.U. and the violence towards peaceful protestors by the state in Tbilisi, Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWirhGeorgia
https://eutoday.net/police-crack-down-on-protests-in-tbilisi-dozens-injured-including-journalists/
Hill Sopra Ski Resort Hotel in Bakuriani, Georgia declares the Suspension of Tax Payments.

"If the Georgian government continues to violate the principles of the country's constitution and its democratic development, our hotel will temporarily suspend all tax payments to the state. This decision aims to prevent our resources from being used by a government that disregards the country's constitution."

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/28
"We, as a business association, are fully aware of the economic impact this change might have. In the short term, this policy will have significant negative economic effects and could potentially result in the suspension of Georgia's visa-free travel with the European Union, which would adversely affect a vast number of families."

Joint statement signed by the 13 Georgian business associations below.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/29
Logos of the 13 Georgian business associations who signed the statement in main post.
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"Georgians are Europeans!

Georgia’s future is in Europe, and nobody can take that away from them.

Moldova condemns the violence against peaceful demonstrators and expresses solidarity with President Salome Zourabichvili and the Georgian people in their fight for freedom,”

Maia Sandu,
President,
Moldova.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/30

https://frontnews.ge/en/moldovan-president-georgia-s-future-is-in-europe-no-one-can-take-that-away/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
Some fifty Ministry of Defense staff signed a joint statement emphasizing that Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic path “has no alternative” and pledging loyalty to Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which enshrines this provision. This is a public snub to the Georgian Dream’s decision to halt EU accession.

Separately, 134 Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff have signed a similar statement.

#StandWithGeorgia

/31

https://civil.ge/archives/639225
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
"We are deeply concerned about the rights of pro-European Georgians who took to the streets to protest against the government's plan to stop the EU integration process. We condemn the use of violence against them and call on the relevant authorities to stop using force against peaceful protesters. We reiterate that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, which needs to be rigorously respected."

David McAlister,
E.U. Foreign Affairs Committee.

/32

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20241129IPR25715/georgia-pause-of-the-efforts-to-start-the-eu-accession-negotiations
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
"Within the framework of professional ethics, we uphold political neutrality regarding the political processes unfolding in the country. At the same time, we condemn violence and dissociate ourselves from any decisions or actions that contradict the requirements of Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution.

Georgia belongs where human dignity, freedom, and peace are the highest values. Therefore, Georgia’s place is in Europe!"

Statement signed by 20 Georgian judges.

#StandWithGeorgia

/33
After last night's protests in Georgia, another night of protests is getting under way.

The centre of the protests will be outside parliament in the capital Tbilisi, but other towns and cities are also protesting. This is Batumi, now.

#GeorgiaProtests

/34
A crowd of demonstrators in Batumi, Georgia.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, tonight's anti government protest begins with journalists marching to parliament.

They are holding photographs of the injuries some of their colleagues received from the police while reporting on last night's protests.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/35
A journalist in Tbilisi, Georgia holding a photograph of an injured colleague.
"Ukraine is disappointed with the decision of the Georgian government to suspend negotiations on accession to the EU until 2028. This decision, as well as the use of force against a peaceful protest, is evidence of the curtailment of democratic processes in the country in favor of Moscow."

Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on Georgia.

#StandWithGeorgia

/36

https://mfa.gov.ua/en/news/komentar-mzs-shchodo-zagostrennya-vnutrishnopolitichnoyi-situaciyi-v-gruziyi
Statement from Ukraine MFA.

"Ukraine strongly condemns the use of force against a peaceful protest in Tbilisi."
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This is Rustavali Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia, Now.

If it looks the same as last night's protests, that's because it is the same as last night's protests.

It's a stand off between the people and the government. Nobody's backing down.

/37

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
Thousands of protestors gather in Tbilisi, Georgia
"Deeply concerned by reports of excessive use of force by Georgian police against peaceful protesters exercising legitimate democratic rights.

Georgian authorities must take immediate steps to de-escalate situation & fully respect rights of peaceful protestors."

Stephen Doughty,
Minister of State for Europe,
U.K.

#StandWithGeorgia

/38
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (2 Monate her)
Protests in Georgia are even bigger than last night, with protests in at least 8 towns and cities.

In both Batumi and Kutaisi protesters also entered city hall to wave E.U. flags.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/39
Protestors waving an EU flag from a window in city hall, Batumi, Georgia.
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Riot police in Georgia's capital Tbilisi have started breaking up the protests with water cannons. Just like last night.

Unlike last night there are twice as many protestors, with some estimates at 200,00. This time they came more prepared.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/40
"Georgia is truly remarkable, as is its society!

It's evident in every way- no one is willing to accept a Russified Georgia, a Georgia deprived of its constitution, or a Georgia under an illegitimate government & parliament

That's why so many of you are out here today- I see you!"

Salome Zourabichvilli,
President,
Georgia.

#StandWithGeorgia

/41
Aerial shot of hundreds of thousands of protestors in Tbilisi Georgia
“The resistance movement has started, it was started by you, not at the behest of anyone, not at the request of anyone, spontaneously, a peaceful and constitutional resistance movement… I am completely with you and we are all together until Georgia achieves its goal of returning to its European path, achieving new elections and securing the protection of its future once and for all."

Salome Zourabichvilli,
President,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

/42

https://civil.ge/archives/639526
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The US Helsinki Commission calls the GD a de-facto, illegitimate government, and calls on the incoming Trump administration as well as Biden’s to stand with the Georgian people.

#StandWithGeorgia
#GeorgiaProtests

/43
Statement from the U.S. Helsinki Commission. Text reader recommended
"Rasa Juknevičienė MEP, wrote that she and other MEPs had initiated a letter to Kaja Kallas, the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, urging the EU to impose sanctions on Georgian officials responsible for election fraud, democratic backsliding and the repression of civil society. The letter calls for “immediate action to protect democracy in Georgia” and asks the High Representative to present a proposal for sanctions."

#Georgia

/44

https://civil.ge/archives/639541
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
Right now in Tbilisi, Georgia, the protests are descending into a running battle between police and protestors.

There are reports of multiple arrests, beatings and hospitalisations, including many journalists. Water cannons and tear gas have been used by the police while barricades and fires have been lit by protestors.

It's tense.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/45
Protestors in Georgia face off against the police with a barricade between the two groups. The barricade is on fire.
Outside parliament on Rustavali Avenue, Tbilisi, Georgia, the confrontation between protestors and police cleared long enough for the photographer to take this shot of graffiti on the road.

"If they gouge out our eyes today, we will return tomorrow in droves."

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/46
Photo of graffiti in Tbilisi Georgia as described in post.
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
Georgia.

Rati Tvalavadze, Ministry of Defense employee resigns; says all limits have been crossed, calls all civil servants to resign and join the street protests.

/47

https://netgazeti.ge/life/754058/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
“It is Europe and the European ideal that these Russian proxies are deliberately and savagely crushing on the Tbilisi streets. Wake up Europe!”

Salome Zourabichvilli,
President,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/48

https://frontnews.ge/en/georgian-president-denounces-violent-crackdown-on-tbilisi-protests-appeals-to-europe/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
This is a photo of Mariam Gaphrindashvili and Guram Rogava, journalists who were brutally attacked by police while covering the protests in Tbilisi, Georgia last night.

They were just two of dozens of journalists among hundreds of people injured last night.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
#JounalismIsNotACrime

/49
Mariam Gaphrindashvili and Guram Rogava in hospital. Gurum is in a bed with a neck brace and a bandage round his head. Mariam is sat next to him with a bandage on her head. There is a Georgia flag on the bed behind Gurum's head. They are both smiling.
"The will and desire of the Georgian people was to follow the European path; this was our historical choice, the only right choice. Deviating from this path is unacceptable."

"This country belongs to its people, and no one stands above the people’s will."

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia,
Georgian national football team.

#StandWithGeorgia

/50

https://frontnews.ge/en/prominent-georgian-footballer-kvaratskhelia-deviating-from-european-path-is-unacceptable/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"The Maidan scenario cannot happen in Georgia."

Irakli Khobakidze,
PM,
Georgia.

#StandWithGeorgia

/51
Protestors in Tbilisi Georgia waving a Georgia flag while surrounded by smoke and crowds.
Georgian PM Irakli Khobakidze looking to his left at the other photo of the demonstrator.
This is Tbilisi, Georgia last night. It's a very short video so you might just see two women being harassed by riot police. If you watch it again you will see these two women have microphones and are actually journalists trying to interview the riot police, in the middle of a riot.

That's fearless journalism.

#StandWithGeorgia
#JournalismIsNotACrime

/52
"Today, two protests are set to take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, reflecting growing public dissatisfaction with the recent decisions of the government.

The first demonstration is scheduled for 5:00 PM in front of the Georgian Public Broadcaster building, under the slogan “This is the People’s Television.” Later, at 7:00 PM, protesters will gather outside the Government Administration building with the slogan “That’s My Child, Let Go.”

#GeorgiaProtests

/53

https://frontnews.ge/en/two-protests-planned-in-tbilisi-today/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"The police might kill somebody like this."

"Physical violence is an understatement, people tell how the special forces beat them mercilessly.
They were subjected to such violence, such physical violence, that I saw a person whose entire face was practically covered in blood-filled bruises.
This is some kind of savagery, there is no justification for treating people in this way."

Levan Ioseliani,
Georgia Public Defender,
(Georgian Dream party approved candidate.)

#GeorgiaProtests

54/
OSCE human rights office condemns use of excessive force by police during protests in Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

/55

https://www.osce.org/odihr/581962
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
David Solomonia, Georgian ambassador to the Netherlands, has resigned in protest of the Georgian Dream government's decision to stop the E.U. membership application and the violent suppression of peaceful protests.

#Georgia
#StandWithGeorgia

/56
Photo of David Solomonia.
"Hope is over. I condemn all forms of violence and resign as the Ambassador of Georgia to the Netherlands.
Tbilisi, Georgia.

"People are gathering in front of Public TV, demanding that it broadcast all the violence that occurred over the past two nights, as it is funded by the very same people who were beaten."

Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.

#Georgia

/57
People demonstrating outside Public TV, the public broadcaster in Tbilisi, Georgia.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, people have stormed the building of Public TV, the public broadcaster, and are demanding to be put live on air so they can speak the truth of what is happening instead of the government propaganda the channel is now churning out.

#GeorgiaProtests

/58
Screenshot of Georgian TV News channel 6 showing protestors in the building of Public TV.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, public broadcaster, Public TV, has unexpectedly allowed the protestors who stormed the building to go live on air at 8.00 p.m. Georgia time.

That's just over an hour from now. Whether this will happen or whether the broadcaster is just playing for time is not yet clear.

#GeorgiaProtests

/59
Protestors negotiate with public broadcasters in the Public TV building in Tbilisi Georgia.
It's a very fluid situation in Tbilisi, Georgia right now, but as I understand it-

The protestors who just stormed the public broadcaster building are actually journalists demanding to be put on air.

The public broadcaster is allowing them air time in about an hour.

The whole confrontation is being broadcast by the public broadcaster.

Simultaneously, the public broadcaster has issued a statement denouncing the violent disorder of the last 2 nights.

#GeorgiaProtests

/60
Events in Georgia seem to be accelerating today. It's hard to keep across all the news, but this message from journalists and the people of Georgia is coming loud and clear.

Keep watching and amplifying their voices.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/61
Poster with montage of photos from protests in Georgia.
Text reads 'All Eyes On Tbilisi.'
Irakli Vekua, the Acting Ambassador of Georgia to Italy, is stepping down from his position in protest at recent events in Georgia.
That's the third Georgian ambassador to resign.

#GeorgiaProtests

/62
4 popular restaurants in Tbilisi, Georgia have closed until further notice, with this message.

#GeorgiaProtests

/63
We can't cook served food and pretend nothing is wrong with our country. This restaurant is closed until further notice. Europe is the only future.
Huge crowds of protestors have turned up outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia for the third night running.

Every night they do this, the crowd get a little stronger, and the government look a little weaker.

Keep pushing.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandByGeorgia

/64
Protestors in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Caspar Veldkamp, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, has expressed shock over the violent crackdown on demonstrators and journalists in Georgia.

“I am shocked by the violent repression of demonstrators and journalists in Georgia, where many citizens have raised their voices for their European future."

#StandWithGeorgia

/65

https://frontnews.ge/en/dutch-foreign-minister-condemns-violence-against-demonstrators-and-journalists-in-georgia/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
The Georgian public broadcaster is now live on air, interviewing the journalists who stormed the building earlier in protest of the pro government propaganda that the channel usually broadcasts.

/66
"Georgia, I am so proud of you!

A national accord has been reached on the most critical matter: no one can take away Georgia’s independence, no one can return Georgia to Russia,and no one can deprive Georgia of its will and its European future.

I remain your President - there is no legitimate parliament & thus no legitimate election or inauguration. My mandate continues.

I stand with you & will remain with you!"

Salome Zurabishvili,
President,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

/67
This is the Georgian T.V. public broadcaster right now. Independent journalists stormed the building and persuaded the management to give them air time.

They are showing videos of the police brutality at last night's protests and calling for civil disobedience.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/68
Screenshot of Georgian TV as discussed in main post.
"Credible sources confirm that the Georgian Ambassador to the US and former Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani has stepped down."

Marika Mikiashvili,
Georgian journalist.

#GeorgiaProtests

/69
Formula News Georgia reports that Georgia's deputy foreign minister Taimaruz Janjalia has resigned in protest at the government's anti EU direction.
This would be the first government resignation so far.

#GeorgiaProtests

/70
Photo of Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister.
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
It's hard to get across the size of the protests in Georgia right now. They are spreading to many other towns and cities as well as the capital Tbilisi.

As for Tbilisi, just look at this.👇

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/71
And the Georgian Ambassador to Lithuania has just resigned. That's the fifth ambassador, I think. I'm losing count.

#StandWithGeorgia

72
"The US has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia. This is a national disaster. The Georgian Dream illegitimate and unconstitutional regime must be finished. Now.
It would be very significant for the people of Georgia if targeted sanctions followed since both the outgoing and incoming US administrations remain committed to the people of Georgia!"

Marika Mikiashvili,
Georgian journalist.

#Georgia

/73
Tbilisi, Georgia.

Protestors brought an effigy of Georgian Dream chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili in front of parliament and burnt him.

If you're paranoid about evil curses and black magic, look away now. Bidzina Ivanishvili is paranoid about evil curses and black magic btw.

#GeorgiaProtests

/74
Protestors burning an effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili
"Today the massive protests have turned in a massive civil disobedience movement: public service, central bank, ministries, diplomatic corps, major banks, big corporations, cultural institutions, universities, public television."

Salome Zurabishvili,
President,
Georgia.

/75
Students of Kutaisi International University, founded by Bidzina Ivanishvili, protested against the 'stolen European future'.

#GeorgiaProtests

Via Publika Georgia.
The lights of a university building have been switched on to spell out 'Theft!' in the night sky in Kutaisi, Georgia.
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"The desire for EU membership among Georgians is so overwhelming that we haven't bothered to ask the question in a while. In our September 2023 poll support was at 90%."

Rob Farbman,
Edison Research.

#Georgia

/78
Pie chart from Edison Research showing EU support in Georgia at 90%
Barricades made by protestors in Tbilisi, Georgia.

It's the smiley that makes it.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/79
Protestors in Tbilisi, Georgia wave flags from behind a makeshift barricade designed to deter riot police. Someone has spray painted 'You suck!' and a smiley face on it.
In Tbilisi, Georgia, firefighters are deliberately and demonstratively emptying the water from their trucks so the riot police can't use them for their water cannons.
There's a moment in the video where a firefighter drinks the water to prove that it's the riot police and not them who are mixing pepper spray into it.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/80
In Tbilisi, Georgia, despite several attempts by the riot police to disperse them, the overnight protests have continued right through into the morning.

It's now 12.30 and the protests have moved on to the University grounds.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/81
Protestors stand round a makeshift camp fire in Tbilisi,Georgia.
"We stand with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future.

We condemn the violence against protesters & regret signals from ruling party not to pursue Georgia's path to EU and democratic backsliding of the county.

This will have direct consequences from EU side."

Kaja Kallas,
E.U. Foreign Affairs.

#GeorgiaProtests

/82
In Georgia, the massive protests are making all the headlines.

What's less noticeable but equally important is how much support the protests have in the wider society of Georgia. Public services, ministries, diplomatic corps, major banks, big corporations, cultural institutions, universities, media, as well as individual celebrities from sports and the arts. They are all on the side of the protestors.

The clock is ticking on the ruling Georgian Dream party.

#GeorgiaProtests

/83
The disinformation campaign against the pro E.U. protestors in Georgia is heating up. So, first, the facts.

Georgia is pro Europe.

Pursuing E.U. membership has long been enshrined in the constitution.

Polling has showed the Georgian people massively in favour at 80/90%.

Every political party campaigns on the manifesto promise of joining the E.U.

The ruling Georgian Dream party's election campaign was "Towards Europe With Dignity".

#GeorgiaProtests
#GeorgiaIsEurope

/84
The latest statements from Georgian PM Khobakidzle can be found in the article below.

Tldr: Crisis? What crisis? Everything's just fine in Georgia. Nothing to see here...

#GeorgiaProtests

/85

https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-tbilisi-protests-government-eu/33222445.html
In Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili is the shadowy billionaire oligarch who is chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

He made all his money in Russia in the 90's and now he lives in his 'Glassle', a space age mansion perched high above Tbilisi, like some kind of Bond villain.

Anyway, the protestors are heading up there this evening. Expect fireworks, at least.

#GeorgiaProtests

/86
Photo of Bidzina Ivanishvili s Glassle, Tbilisi, Georgia
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"The chair of Georgia’s illegitimate Parliament states that, as a result of yesterday’s riot, the Parliament’s cafeteria is completely ruined.

I mean, the cafeteria and Georgia’s European future but yeah, everyone has their own priorities."

Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.

#GeorgiaProtests

/87
In Tbilisi, Georgia, last night's protests never really stopped. They just moved to the University for the day.

Now it's moving back to the public broadcaster, the parliament, and the GD party chairman Ivanishvili's house.

It feels more and more like it's the end game for the Georgian Dream party, and at this point I don't fancy their chances.

#GeorgiaProtests
#GeorgiaIsEurope

/88
Protestor in Tbilisi, Georgia wearing a gas mask and waving an EU flag.
"Dear international community,

Georgia doesn’t have leadership or legitimate authority. We have an illegitimate, self-proclaimed Parliament that convened unconstitutionally and approved a government, which is therefore also illegitimate.

The illegitimate regime has violated 3 articles of the Constitution, including Article 78, which mandates all state institutions to do everything within their power to ensure the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration."

Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist

/89
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"Georgian civil servants have made a statement on December 1, “unequivocally denouncing” Irakali Kobakhidze’s announcement about the withdrawal from the EU accession negotiations process and condemning the disproportionate use of force against the peaceful protesters."

#Georgia

/90

https://civil.ge/archives/640162
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
In Georgia it seems like tonight's protests are even bigger than last night's protests. Huge crowds in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Zugdidi, Rustavi, Dmanisi, Lanchkhuti, Kvareli and more.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/90
Montage of photos of protests in 8 different towns and cities in Georgia
In Tbilisi, Georgia, riot police are once again using water cannons against protestors.

This time the riot police are inside parliament, firing on the protestors outside parliament.

I'm not sure this is how a healthy democracy is supposed to function.

#GeorgiaProtests

/91
In Georgia, opposition party leader Zurab Japaridze was arrested this morning during a crackdown on overnight protests in Tbilisi.
The police appear to have deliberately targeted the politician as he was leaving the protest area.

#GeorgiaProtests

/93

https://www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/135559-nika-gvaramia-until-now-we-are-determining-where-zurab-japaridze-is-we-will-act-as-we-would-in-the-case-of-the-arrest-of-the-party-leader/
"Ivanishvili has already started arresting political opponents and thinks that this is how he will interfere with a fair protest - you can't scare anyone! Your story is complete!"

Mamuka Khazaradze,
Georgian Opposition Leader.

#GeorgiaProtest
#StandByGeorgia

/94

https://www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/135566-mamuka-khazaradze-ivanishvili-has-already-started-arresting-political-opponents-and-thinks-that-this-is-how-he-will-interfere-with-a-fair-protest-you-cant-scare-anyone-your-story-is-complete/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"In Georgia, the majority of the arrested protesters have injuries to their heads and faces , broken face bones, eye sockets, open wounds. Have been subjected to systematic beatings between arrest and transport to already overcrowded detention facilities. As reported by lawyers."

Salome Zurabishvili,
President,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

/95
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania will impose sanctions against the Georgian officials responsible for suppressing pro-E.U. protests in recent days, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced on Sunday.

“The three Baltic States jointly agreed to impose national sanctions against those who suppressed legitimate protests in Georgia. Opponents of democracy & violators of human rights are not welcome in our countries.”

#GeorgiaProtests

/96

https://meduza.io/en/news/2024/12/02/baltic-countries-to-sanction-georgian-officials-over-crackdown-on-pro-e-u-protests#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17331290272647&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A%2F%2Fmeduza.io%2Fen%2Fnews%2F2024%2F12%2F02%2Fbaltic-countries-to-sanction-georgian-officials-over-crackdown-on-pro-e-u-protests
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"Violence against peaceful protesters standing firm for their European & democratic future in Georgia is completely unacceptable. Actions by Georgian government will have direct consequences for the relationship between EU & Georgia."

Lars Lokke Rasmussen,
Foreign Minister,
Denmark.

#StandWithGeorgia

/97
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
Local media in Georgia are reporting that Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Teimuraz Janjalia has resigned, although we are still waiting for an official statement or any reason for his resignation.

Janjalia is the first member of the ruling Georgian Dream government to resign, so his resignation statement is eagerly awaited.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/98

https://news.az/news/georgian-deputy-fm-teimuraz-janjalia-resigns
"Georgians did not expect that their own police would show so much sadism. They did not consider that their cops are being trained by Russian specialists. All protests are suppressed by Russian rules which include inflicting injuries, including in the head of the protestors, necessity of group beatings and so on."

Alexander Nevzorov,
Russian journalist.

#GeorgiaProtests

/99
Photo of Russian journalist Alexander Nevzorov. Text reads "Putin critic: Russia trains Georgian police in brutality tactics"
Credit: Formula News Georgia
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
Georgian opposition leader Zurab Japaridze has been released from police custody after being arrested for protesting outside parliament.

#GeorgiaProtests

/100

https://oc-media.org/georgian-police-briefly-detain-opposition-leader-zurab-japaridze/
The mood in Georgia right now.

Street Art by Gagosh,

Tbilisi, Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

/101
Two water cannon trucks direct jets of water at a naked woman who is casually bathing in the water.

Art by Gagosh, Tbilisi, Georgia.
In Georgia, the school children are going on strike today in several towns and cities. There are reports of them blocking the road outside parliament in Tbilisi.

The genie is well and truly out of the bottle.

#GeorgiaProtests

/102
Schoolchildren on strike and protesting in Tbilisi Georgia.
In Georgia, about 200 people so far have been detained following protests. They have all been beaten, round the head and in particular the eyes.

While some of these beatings are happening during the protests, reports are coming in that a lot of the beatings are actually happening during detention.

It's not casual police brutality in the heat of the moment, but deliberate targeted punishment beatings of protestors once they are in custody.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/104
Georgian protestor in a hospital bed with severe bruising round his eyes.
"Georgia Public defender Levan Ioseliani has said that 124 out of 156 persons (80%) detained during the protest that his office had access to reported being subjected to violence and mistreatment by the police. “The number of citizens claiming that the police used excessive force is growing at an alarming rate,” Ioseliani said and urged law enforcement not to overstep legal boundaries."

#GeorgiaProtests

/105

https://civil.ge/archives/640510
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"Following Baltic countries, the EU should immediately put sanctions on those responsible in the ministry of interior & police for the violence of the Georgia uprising…

Time that Europe acts ! … instead of words …."

Guy Verhofstadt,
MEP.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/105
In Georgia, the Senior Instructor at the Tactical Training Department of the Police Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Giorgi Gabekhadze resigns.

This is the first resignation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the department responsible for policing the protests.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/107
Photo of Giorgi Gabakhdze, 
"Senior Georgian Police Academy official resigns in protest."

Via Formula News
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
The Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia have announced the first steps of their sanctions against Georgia

All of these Georgian government members are banned from travelling to their countries.

Bidzina Ivanishvili
Vakhtang Gomelauri
Shalva Bedoidze
Ioseb Chelidze
Aleksandre Darakhvelidze
Giorgi Butkhuzi
Zviad Kharazishvili
Mileri Lagazauri
Mirza Kezevadze
Vaja Siradze
Teimuraz Kupatadze

#StandWithGeorgia

/108
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"You can't defeat these brave, smart and cunning people!
Get away from us! Go to the dark and evil world and rule there!"

#NonRussianGovernment

Teoko Illustrations,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
Illustration of protests in Georgia. Brightly coloured young people shooting stars at a row of silhouetted police officers in the night time.
It's very stylised and beautiful.
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
In Georgia, they're heading into their fifth consecutive night of protests, although it's fairer to say it's one continuous protest at this point. They haven't stopped at all today, with even the schoolchildren going on strike.

While the focus of the anti government protests is the parliament in the capital Tbilisi, today there are also big protests in about 15 towns and cities across Georgia.

They're not backing down.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/108

https://www.rferl.org/a/georgia-protests-eu-violence/33223228.html
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada intends to “sanction key individuals, as well as companies and entities involved in human rights violations or corruption, based on our sanctions regime”. Canada reiterated its support and solidarity with the Georgian people and expressed concern about the current political situation in Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
You can check this live map of Georgia to see how many protests are currently happening in Georgia.
The last count was 25. Freedom is contagious.

#GeorgiaProtests

https://caucasus.liveuamap.com/en/2024/2-december-17-nationwide-protests-are-happening-today-in
Map of protests in Georgia
"Across Georgia, people are rising against the Russian puppetry regime. From the capital to the smallest towns, this is a movement unlike anything in our history.
The message is clear:

Give me my vote back!

Give me my European future back!"

Salome Zurabishvili,
President,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

/110
"We are troubled by steps taken by the Georgian government to move away from greater integration with Europe."

“As you know, we do not preview sanctions from this podium. However, when we have announcements to make regarding sanctions, we make them.”

Matthew Miller,
U.S. State Department.

#StandWithGeorgia

/111

https://frontnews.ge/en/us-stands-with-georgian-people-says-matthew-miller/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
In Tbilisi, Georgia, not even the president herself knows who these people are who are 'policing' the protests. They are not regular police or specialist riot units or armed forces. They have no identifying marks, just tear gas, rubber bullets and brutality.

Also, only in Tbilisi are the protests becoming violent. Elsewhere in the country, where there are just regular police forces, the protests are peaceful events where you can take the whole family.

#GeorgiaProtests

/112
Photo of special unidentified forces in riot gear in Tbilisi, Georgia.

2 Personen haben dies geteilt

Last night's protests in Tbilisi, Georgia-

There were even more protestors than previous nights.
The 'police' crackdown started very early, with more water cannons and more tear gas, but overall there were less beatings and much less arrests. This wasn't for lack of trying. They were just outmanoeuvred.

It seems the unidentified and unknown special forces terrorising Tbilisi are human after all.

And they're getting tired.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/113
Aerial shot of over a hundred thousand protestors in Tbilisi, Georgia
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, expressed strong support for the Georgian people’s ongoing protests against government violence, drawing parallels to past democratic movements in Eastern Europe. Regarding U.S.-Georgia relations, he clarified that despite claims from Georgian officials, he believes President Donald Trump, a supporter of democracy, “would stand with the people of Georgia, and not with the regime that rigged the elections.”

/115
“The use of unnecessary or disproportionate force against protesters and media workers is extremely worrying."

“All Georgians from across the political spectrum should be able to express their views about the future of their country freely and peacefully.”

Volker Turk,
UN Human Rights Commissioner.

#GeorgiaProtests

/116
Joint statement from parties in the Council of Europe on 'The Grave Political Crisis in Georgia.'

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/117
Statement from parties in the Council of Europe. Text reader recommended.
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"Sixty employees of the Georgian Public Broadcaster, including its prominent faces, TV presenters Nino Zautashvili and Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, have signed a statement condemning the violent crackdown on protesters and distancing themselves from the Georgian Dream party’s decision to halt the EU membership process until 2028. The document says that the move violates Georgia’s constitutional commitment to European integration."

#GeorgiaProtests

https://civil.ge/archives/640876
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
And, finally, a statement from the U.K. government condemning the police brutality used against protestors in Georgia and the Georgian government's turn away from democratic norms .

At least 5 days late and pretty weak, but welcome all the same.

#GeorgiaProtests

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-statement-on-the-situation-in-georgia
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"Constitutional Court of Georgia issued its decision on rejecting appeals by President Zurabishvili and more than 30 former opposition MPs challenging the constitutionality of the October 26 parliamentary elections.

President Salome Zurabishvili had appealed on November 19, alleging violations of the constitutional principles of secrecy of the vote and universal suffrage in the parliamentary elections. The President asked that the final results be declared unconstitutional."

#Georgia
In Georgia, the statements denouncing the violence against protestors and distancing themselves from the government keep on coming. Yesterday it was the medics and the teachers. Today it's the staff at the public broadcaster and the Civil Society Foundation.

It's a drip, drip effect slowly eroding any standing the government ever had. They are losing all support. Soon they will have to rule by brute force alone.

Do they have it in them?

#StandWithGeorgia

https://civil.ge/archives/640947
The Russian disinformation on the Georgia protests is something else. No, Russia is not going to invade and no, George Soros is NOT funding all the protestors. Obvs.

In a nutshell, the Georgian people are protesting the recent rigged elections and the government's unconstitutional decision to stop their E.U. membership bid.

Georgians want new elections. That's it. It's not that radical.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

/116
In Georgia, the Public Broadcaster TV channel has just announced that they will grant protest members airtime every evening as long as the crisis is ongoing.

This follows this mornings' statement from over 60 public broadcaster staff members denouncing the protest violence and the fact the public broadcaster wasn't showing the protest violence.

Maybe this will help their ratings!

#GeorgiaProtests
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"The masks are off. We owe it to those brutally beaten while being arrested to spread the word and show the extent of the violence the Georgian people endure daily.

This is horrifying. It is inhumane."

Elene Kintsarashvili,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
Photomontage showing dozens of Georgian protestors with severe facial injuries received from police brutality.
"Giorgi Gakharia, the former Minister of Internal Affairs under GD, states that he has legitimate suspicions that those wearing black masks during protest dispersals are not employees of the MIA but belong to informal groups. It has long been reported that US-sanctioned minister Zviad Kharazishvili has informal punitive squads."

Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.

#GeorgiaProtests
"Today, we find ourselves in a situation where a knife has been driven into the constitution, tearing it apart completely"

Georgian President Zourabichvili addressed the nation following the Constitutional Court of Georgia's decision to reject her appeal, along with those of over 30 former opposition MPs, challenging the results of the parliamentary elections.

#GeorgiaProtests
These are Ukrainian MPs in parliament unfurling Georgia flags today.

No words.

#StandWithGeorgia
Ukrainian MPs stand in parliament with Georgia flags.
“Is it me you are afraid of?!”

#GeorgiaProtests

Illustration by Tamunia Budaghashvili
Georgian protestors kicks through a row of riot police shields.
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
“Is it me you are afraid of?!”

Illustration by Tamunia Budaghashvili

This illustration is not just a representation, but taken from a video of a real life confrontation in Tbilisi, Georgia 2 nights ago

The latest news is that the lone woman who confronted the row of riot police was arrested and fined €900, the equivalent of 2 months wages in Georgia, and then released. We're still waiting to hear from her directly.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

https://publika.ge/izolatorshi-rcheba-qapecrazmis-kordoni-gaarghvia-ras-yveba-advokati/
Illustration of a lone woman kicking at a row of riot police with shields in Tbilisi Georgia
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
The latest news from Georgia is that the government has banned the sales of protective equipment such as gas masks, goggles and helmets.

The Georgian government don't want their people to protect themselves from the tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets the unidentified special forces are using against them.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
After 6 days of general disinterest from Western media, The Washington Post, New York Times and the Financial Times have finally sent journalists to cover the protests in Tbilisi, Georgia.

The only problem is the journalists they have sent are all Russians.

You couldn't make it up, but then you don't need to. That's what Russian journalists do.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithRussia
Medics in Georgia are appealing to the government to let them know which chemicals are being used against protestors so they can diagnose the many people coming to hospital with injuries.

The Georgian government have declined to comment.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
Medics make heart signs from the window of an ambulance as protestors outside make heart signs back to them in Tbilisi, Georgia
"17 former U.S. national security officials and Georgia experts have published an open letter pressing the U.S. government to take measures to respond the fast-evolving crisis in Georgia. The measures include withholding recognition of results of the October 26 Parliamentary elections, sanctioning Bidzina Ivanishvili and his cronies as well as human rights abusers and extending support for President Salome Zourabichvili."

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

https://formulanews.ge/News/121087
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"Svenja Schulze, Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, has announced that no new development cooperation projects with Georgia will be approved or commissioned, and no loan agreements will be signed. This decision follows the recent declaration by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to halt the country’s EU integration process “until 2028.”

#StandWithGeorgia

https://civil.ge/archives/641255
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"To Western tankies sipping latte or conservatives howling for freedom with their guns - great job advocating for a Ukraine scenario to be prevented in Georgia, while pushing for a Belarus scenario instead. That's your "freedom" and "justice."

Marika Mikiashvili,
Georgian Journalist.

#GeorgiaProtests
Breaking Georgia

Giorgi Gvimradze has stepped down as News Director of the Georgian Public Broadcaster.

#GeorgiaProtests
Breaking Georgia.

Happening in Georgia now are simultaneous police raids of offices and homes of many different opposition parties and activists and civil society groups.

It's unclear how successful these raids have been, with some leaving immediately after being challenged for the necessary paperwork, and some activists being taken into custody with their phones and laptops confiscated.

#GeorgiaProtests
In Georgia, Nika Gvaramia, one of the leaders of Coalition 4 Change was dragged by the police and thrown into a detention car as he was physically assaulted and unconscious. This happened at the party office at Sharashidze Street, Tbilisi, Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
In Georgia, 4 opposition politicians, Gela Khasaia, NikaGvaramia, Vepkho Kasradze, Vaso Kadzelashvili have all been arrested and detained in separate simultaneous raids by Georgian police.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
This is Georgia now.

Nika Gvaramia, opposition party politician was assaulted in broad daylight, in the party offices, and carried away unconscious by the police.

It's just one of many raids and arrests happening simultaneously in Georgia after nights of protests.

This is Georgia now.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
Masked police carrying the unconscious body of opposition politician in Tbilisi, Georgia
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"Unlike Westerners, we do not interfere in the internal affairs of countries, in this case Georgia."

Maria Zakharova,
Russia Foreign Ministry Spokesperson and Gaslighting Award Winner.

#GeorgiaProtests
"The belief in Georgia’s nationhood as intrinsically distinct from that of Russia, hatred of Russian imperialism, and spontaneous resistance to those wishing to install tyranny at home seems to run much, much deeper. It cuts across social class, ideological preferences, and age groups, nourishing resistance."

Jaba Devdariani.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

https://civil.ge/archives/641317
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, has called on the Georgian authorities to respect human rights, including the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression, following the violent dispersal of protests in Tbilisi. He urged the immediate release of individuals detained for exercising their right to protest peacefully and condemned the use of force against demonstrators and journalists."

#GeorgiaProtests

https://civil.ge/archives/641371
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
In Georgia, women are gathering outside police stations across the country, demanding that the police should keep them safe instead of turning a blind eye to the beatings and detentions carried out by the unidentified security forces at the protests.

(Note: the regular police force are not involved in policing the protests in Georgia, it's left to 'special forces' who are as yet unidentified.)

#GeorgiaProtests
A group of women confront a group of policemen outside a police station in Georgia
"My urgent call to our partners and those who want to prevent crisis to go deeper and instability, it is time to put strong pressure on a ruling party that is driving the country over the cliff! Do not be late… !"

Salome Zourabichvilli,
President,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia
"Georgian Protests has to be renamed Repression in Georgia.

Political leaders dragged by repressive forces, party headquarters object to search and seizure operations, offices of youth protesters are searched…

Prime Minister calls that « prevention »…"

Salome Zourabichvilli,
President,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionInGeorgia
In Georgia, the ruling Georgian Dream party are carrying out brutal raids and detentions of opposition party members.

It is partly a reaction to the mass protests that have been shaking Georgia for the last 6 days.

Also, it was a pre-election promise.

When somebody tells you who they are..

#GeorgiaProtests
#StandWithGeorgia

https://civil.ge/archives/629429
"Those (opposition politicians) who are enemies of the people and enemies of the country must be banned.

The mere winning of the elections is not going to be decisive, that is why I say that we need a constitutional majority to ban them and get rid of them."

Bidzina Ivanishvili,
Georgian Dream party chairman,
(speaking shortly before the October 26th elections.)

#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionInGeorgia
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
After a day of raids and detentions of opposition party leaders and activists, protestors are gathering in Tbilisi in just as large numbers as the last 7 nights.

Police are now stopping people in the nearby metro stations to confiscate the gas masks protestors are using to protect themselves against the tear gas the police are using on them night after night.

For shame.

#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionInGeorgia
"Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association issued a statement saying that systemic and violent repressions against the civilians should be assessed as the crime against humanity, which can provide grounds for applying to the International Criminal Court.

The watchdog says that “the coordinated repressive measures against thousands of Georgian citizens in various cities became evident during spontaneous protests” starting from November 28th"

#RepressionInGeorgia

https://civil.ge/archives/641519
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
U.S. Helsinki Commission calls for immediate sanctions on Georgia.

They're really not holding back on their words here.

#GeorgiaProtests

Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"The de-facto Georgian government has shed all pretense of democracy and has now started arresting innocent activists and peaceful members of the opposition in their homes and places of work. Make no mistake: Georgian Dream is using Kremlin-style dictatorial tactics."

Joe Wilson,
U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman.

#GeorgiaProtests
#RepressionInGeorgia
Ukraine President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine plans to sanction the Georgian government, which is “pushing the country into obvious dependence on Russia.”

"What is happening in Georgia is not only a problem of one nation and not only of our region. It is simply shameful what they are doing to their own people. And when Moscow praises this government in Georgia, it clearly shows for whom they are working in Tbilisi and for whom they are dispersing the protests. Definitely not for Georgia.”
In Georgia, Irakli Shaishmelashvili, the head of the Operative Planning Unit of the Special Tasks Department that is responsible for the violent crackdowns (Zviad Kharazishvili AKA “Khareba” squad) resigns.

#GeorgiaProtests
Resignation statement as discussed in main post.


To the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Police Lieutenant General Vakhtang Gomelauri

Patak

I request that due to family circumstances, I be relieved of my current position and dismissed from the ranks of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

Head of the Operational Planning Division of the Special Tasks Department

Police Colonel Irakli Shaishmelashvili
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
In Georgia, Mtavari TV have just published a list of names from an anonymous Ministry of Internal Affairs source.

They are names of all the previously unidentified 'special forces' who have been brutally repressing protestors in Tbilisi for the last week.

This could get dangerous. For the secret hit squad, obviously. Some of the protestors are already in prison. Or comas.

#GeorgiaProtests
"The US stands in solidarity with the Georgian people and their democratic aspirations. Those who undermine democratic processes or institutions in Georga –including those who suppress Georgian citizens’ right to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression–will be held to account.
In addition to continuing our previously announced comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation, the US is now preparing to use the tools at our disposal, including additional sanctions."

https://www.state.gov/u-s-support-for-georgian-people/
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
Yesterday in Georgia there was a brutal crackdown on opposition parties and activists, with several arrests of key.

This was followed by a night of protests, the biggest yet. Somehow, the expected violent confrontations with the special forces just didn't happen. It was a calm night, the first in a week.

Something has changed in Georgia....

#GeorgiaProtests
In Georgia, Irakli Shaishmelashvili, the head of the Operative Planning Unit of the Special Tasks Department that is responsible for the violent crackdowns resigned last night.

That's confirmed. There are reports of dozens of other resignations from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but none of these have been confirmed yet. Today could be the day.

All eyes on Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
Dieser Beitrag wurde bearbeitet. (1 Monat her)
"We cannot afford to lose anyone in this region—not Georgia, not Moldova, not Ukraine. We must stand together to defend against Moscow. Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and his associates—19 individuals who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people.

We urge Europe, America, and the entire world to do the same—to act decisively and with principle."

President Zelenskyy,
Ukraine.

#StandWithGeorgia
"I could not say it better. Thank you Volodymyr !
Russia is trying to get back the control over the Black Sea !"

Salome Zourabichvilli,
President of Georgia,
(Response to Ukraine's sanctions against the ruling Georgian Dream party)

#StandWithGeorgia
🔥Georgian Facebook is on Fire!🔥

A list of names of the secret special forces brutalizing protestors was published last night, and now friends and relatives are publically calling them out.

This might explain why the response to the massive protests last night was so quiet. The 'special' forces were too busy furiously deleting their Facebook accounts and getting told off by their mums!

Whoever leaked that list knew what they were doing.

#GeorgiaProtests
Special forces in Tbilisi,Georgia, gathered in a small group, checking their mobile phones
Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Ukraine have already issued sanctions against Georgia. America have stated they are drawing up plans.

Meanwhile, in Malta at the OSCE summit today, there's a meeting of foreign ministers from U.K., Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Turkey and others to discuss a concrete plan of action over Georgia.

Not before time.

#StandWithGeorgia
#SanctionGeorgia
"Every hero policeman can be proud of what they have done for their country."

Irakli Kobakhidze,
Prime Minister,
Georgia.

Via Publika Georgia
Photo of Georgian PM Khobakidze next to a flag of Georgia. The photo is surrounded by a montage of photos of Georgian protestors who have facial injuries from beatings by the police.
Georgia is a country just over a quarter of the size of the U.K. and has a population of 3.7 million people.

The fact that there are over 40 towns and cities that have been protesting against the government for days is unheard of. Nothing like this has been seen in living memory.

The government may survive for a while yet, but there's no way back for them.

#GeorgiaProtests
Map of Georgia showing where all the anti government protests are taking place.
"The Council of Europe adopted a Declaration on the situation in Georgia following the government’s decision to suspend accession negotiations with the EU.

The Declaration “condemns in this regard the violent handling of peaceful demonstrations protesting this decision, and, in line with the call of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, reiterates the need for effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms – including freedom of assembly.”

https://civil.ge/archives/641974
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"In a joint statement, MEPs call on the European Union to impose targeted sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvhili and all Georgian Dream leaders responsible for reported election irregularities and the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators.

The MEPs single out Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chair of the GD, as being “ultimately politically responsible for the wave of repressions and the suspension of the European integration process.”

#StandWithGeorgia

https://civil.ge/archives/641926
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Via Jam News, Georgia

Tbilisi’s renowned graffiti artist, Gagosh, shares on Facebook his latest mural in response to the ongoing pro-European protests in the capital. Demonstrators have been using fireworks to counter the police's deployment of water cannons and tear gas.

He accompanies the post with a verse by Byron:

The stars grow jealous as the fireflies soar,
Our borrowed suns—how they crash and roar.
In those fleeting sparks, we see,
The echo of eternity.

#GeorgiaProtests
Illustration as described in main post.
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In Georgia President Salome Zourabichvili just said that Irakli Kobakhidze should resign and calls for new elections to be held within two weeks in an interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster TV channel.

This wouldn't have happened in Georgia even a few days ago. The government had the public TV channel locked in to show nothing but propaganda.

They're losing their grip.

#GeorgiaProtests
It's torture in Georgia.

Powerful victims testimonies in the article below speak of brutal and systemic torture of protestors in Georgia by unidentified special forces.

It's not hyperbolic to call it torture. It's the word used by Georgia's public defender, who has begun an investigation.

#RepressionInGeorgia

https://tabula.ge/ge/news/726892-rogor-acama-ivanishvilis-rezhimma-demonstrantebi
In Tbilisi, Georgia, the ruling party just want the protests outside parliament to go away now. The main issue is that the protestors have been outside parliament for the last 8 nights running and they can't put the Christmas tree up.

It's a real problem....

#GeorgiaProtests

https://tabula.ge/ge/news/726944-tbilservis-jgupis-tkmit-utsnobia-rodis-sad
Photo from last year showing a lovely big Christmas tree outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia
💥 “I think it would be fair to say that the current illegitimate Georgian government is a Russian puppet government."

Bill Browder.

Saying this, out loud, for the world to hear, at the U S. Senate Foreign Relations committee hearing.

#GeorgiaProtests
"We think that enough time has passed and enough events have happened for the emotions to go low and for life to return to normal."

Papuashvili,
Speaker,
Georgian Parliament.

Georgian Parliament, last night 👇
Thousands of protestors outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia
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Today the French, British and German ambassadors to Georgia met with the Georgian public defenders team to demand an investigation into the violent detentions and inhumane treatment at protests.

The public defender in Georgia has broken with the ruling party and is investigating these cases. He's calling it torture.

#RepressionInGeorgia
Photo of meeting as discussed in post.
"I am writing this letter from the pre-trial detention center. I am unlawfully detained. They asked me to lie and name people, claiming that they were financing me and that I was carrying out their orders. They asked me to name Japaridze, Khoshtaria, Gvaramia (opposition politicians) and other individuals. I could not state the above, because nothing like this happened. I am declaring a hunger strike. We will win this fight together."

Revaz Kikvadze,
Unlawfully detained Georgian protestor.
Photo of Georgian protestor Revaz Kikvadze. Copy of handwritten note inserted into photo.
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Solidarity With Georgia.

Protests are being held across Europe and the U.S. this weekend.

#GeorgiaProtest
List of Solidarity with Georgia protests. Text reader recommended.
Last night in Tbilisi, Georgia, the brutal crackdown against peaceful protestors was back in a big way.
There were 50 arrests, 'special forces' were hunting protestors though the streets, beating anyone they could catch. Armed criminals and Russian FSB members were spotted as informal support to the special forces.

None of this is stopping the protestors. It's making them angry. Nobody's backing down.

#GeorgiaProtests
In Tbilisi Georgia, a lone woman protestor stands with her arms outstretched in a confrontation with a row of about 50 riot police with shields.
"I'm 14, photographing the violent protests in Georgia. The EU dream is slipping away.

Young people are very angry and they are not thinking about anything else apart from the protests. There are no other priorities. The priority is to save our country. Protesters say we are protecting you and your kids’ future so you don’t wake up in Russia tomorrow."

Nestan,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests

https://www.codastory.com/rewriting-history/im-14-photographing-the-violent-protests-in-georgia-the-eu-dream-is-slipping-away/
Protestors in Tbilisi, Georgia. Two protestors are picked out in a huge crowd.
Photographers description. "This was two days ago when we got very badly gassed, me and my dad. People were holding onto each other, telling each other “it’s OK” and that we have to be together and walk carefully. Then people started panicking a bit, but it was OK. People came to help us. You can see the tears in this man’s eyes, he’s scared of the teargas, but the other man in the Soviet gas mask is calming him down and helping him — emotionally and physically."
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"We, the undersigned Global Women Leaders, stand in solidarity with the Georgian people and President Salome Zourabichvili during this critical juncture in Georgia’s history. Recent events in Tbilisi, where over 200,000 citizens have taken to the streets to protest the Russia-aligned ruling party’s suspension of EU accession talks, underscore the profound commitment of the Georgian people to their European future and democratic path."

Open Letter.

#StandWithGeorgia

https://giwps.georgetown.edu/open-letter-support-georgia-president-salome-zourabichvili/
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There is some confusion in Georgia of the exact details of this incident, but it is heartbreaking.

What is confirmed is that a woman is dead and her mother is critically injured after a car accident. It is thought they were on the way to protests in Tbilisi, Georgia.

https://publika.ge/jipiai-avtoavariashi-daighuhalgazrda-qali-romelic-aqciaze-myofi-midioda/

#TerrorInGeorgia
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This video shows the Georgian PM laughingly stating they had arrested all the opposition leaders causing violent protests and that due to this action the violent protests were over.

It's cut with scenes of horrific violence by 'special forces' at protests later that same day.

Ignore the gaslighting. In Georgia, ALL the protests start out as peaceful protests. And then the special forces show up....

Video by Elene Mgeladze, Publika Georgia.

#TerrorInGeorgia
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Parliament, Tbilisi, Georgia, Now.

"We asked, 'Who are you?' and they said, 'We are your grandmothers and grandfathers. We have come to shield you.'

"Everyone was in tears."

Natalia Tchamiashvili

#GeorgiaProtests
A gathering of older people on the steps of parliament Tbilisi Georgia.
This is Georgia's President Salome Zourabchivili meeting Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy in Paris today.

I'm posting this photograph purely because it will have Putin and his allies spitting feathers.

#StandWithGeorgia
#StandWithUkraine
Zelenskyy and Zourabchivili shaking hands in a meeting room in Paris
"I met with the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, in Paris.

I expressed Ukraine’s full support and solidarity with the Georgian people, who are fighting for their dignified future, and emphasized that respecting the will of the Georgian people and preventing Ivanishvili’s government from surrendering the country to Putin is essential for the stability and future of the region."

President Zelenskyy,
Ukraine.

#StandWithRussia

/1👇
Presidents Zelenskyy and Zourabchivili shaking hands in Paris today.
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"For Russia, this is not just about Georgia—it is about control of the Black Sea region, a strategic Russian goal that poses a threat to the national security of everyone in the region and across Europe.

I assured President Zourabichvili that Ukraine will coordinate with partners, not just in Europe but globally, to deliver a systemic response and support the Georgian people in defending their right to live freely and independently."

President Zelenskyy,
Ukraine.

/2

#StandWithGeorgia
Presidents Zelenskyy and Zourabchivili shaking hands in a meeting room in Paris today.
"In Georgia, there are so many incoming reports of people ambushed and assaulted by unidentified masked thugs that I am simply not keeping up with it."

Marika Mikiashvili,
Georgia.

#TerrorInGeorgia

#GeorgiaProtests
"For the tenth consecutive day in Tbilisi, citizens are protesting against Georgian Dream's pro-Russian policies.

Today, there are no special forces or police on the streets. Instead, groups of violent men dressed in black are running around, beating people."

Publika,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
In Georgia right now there seems to be a major escalation of violence.

Protestors, journalists and opposition politicians are being attacked, on the streets, in their offices and in their homes.

These are not police or 'special forces', but unidentified thugs working for the regime. They are not arresting anybody, just beating them near half to death.

There's no more pretending. It's pure violent brutality.

#TerrorInGeorgia
#StandWithGeorgia
Bloodied injured politician in his office in Tbilisi Georgia.
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"Burn Russia to the Ground."

Tbilisi,
Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
Tbilisi. Modernist sculpture defaced with graffiti. Burn Russia to the ground.
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Happening now in Tbilisi, Georgia. After the tenth night of protests outside parliament with violent regime thugs terrorising the people, this morning they're putting up the Christmas tree.

They really are going there. Putting up a Christmas tree on the same spot outside parliament which has seen tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets and bloodshed.

Georgians are furious.

#GeorgiaProtests
A crane erects a huge steel frame for a Christmas tree outside parliament in Tbilisi, Georgia
"Putin didn’t even bother to help his closest ally, Assad, and Georgian Dream propaganda wants us to believe that he will come to save Ivanishvili."

Anna Gvarishvili,
Georgian journalist.

#GeorgiaProtests
As medical professionals petition the Georgian ruling party to stop using tear gas and other unknown chemicals against peaceful protestors, the ruling party are going the other way entirely.

The illegitimate government in Georgia just announced they are going to legislate against the use of gas masks at peaceful protests.

There are no lines left in Georgia.

#GeorgiaProtests
#TerrorInGeorgia

https://jam-news.net/medical-professionals-in-georgia-demand-a-halt-to-the-use-of-chemical-agents-on-protesters/
"Merry Crisis And A Happy New Fear!"

The illegitimate government in Georgia are hoping the magic of Christmas will make all their problems disappear.

They are pressing ahead with putting up their annual tree outside parliament in Tbilisi, as if massive protests haven't been happening on that very same spot for the last 10 days straight.

It's already been renamed by the people of Georgia as the Crisis Tree.

#GeorgiaProtests

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/12/8/7488209/