Police and protesters clash in second day of demonstrations over Georgia’s frozen EU bid
Police and pro-EU protesters clashed again on the streets of Tbilisi Friday night during a second day of protests against the government's decision to delay EU membership talks until 2028. The prime minister's announcement followed a non-binding European Parliament resolution rejecting the results of Georgia's October parliamentary elections and calling for sanctions of top Georgian officials.
Thousands of demonstrators protesting the Georgian government's decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union rallied outside the parliament and clashed with police for a second straight night on Friday.
The night before, police used water cannons, pepper spray and tear gas to disperse protesters who took to the streets in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension. The interior ministry said it detained 43 people during the protests.
On Friday evening, protesters again swarmed the parliament, with some trying to break the metal gates to the building. Riot police used water cannons to drive them back and later moved to push some of the demonstrators away from the area.
The Georgian president, who has a largely ceremonial role, has declared that the ruling party rigged the election with the help of Russia, Georgia's former imperial master.
(AP)
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