Protests in Georgia continue for the third day. "Telegraph" also visited Tbilisi (exclusive video).

In Georgia, large-scale protests have been ongoing for several days, triggered by the government's decision to suspend the country's European integration process. Thousands of people in Tbilisi and other cities have taken to the streets to protest against the dominance of the ruling party "Georgian Dream," which is linked to the Russian regime. The protests have escalated into clashes between ordinary citizens and government-controlled security forces.

"Telegraph" also visited Tbilisi near the parliament, where the main protests are taking place. This is the central gathering point for demonstrators, and it is here that clashes with special forces often occur as they attempt to push people away from the building.

What is happening in Tbilisi

It is worth noting that on the night of November 29, the police and special forces brutally dispersed protests against the halt of European integration by pro-Russian political forces and cleared the square in front of the parliament. During the clearing operation, dozens of demonstrators, journalists, and several security personnel were injured. However, this crackdown did not deter people: on November 30, they gathered again in front of the parliament.

"Telegraph" captured the moment when, after the initial skirmishes, security forces brought in water cannons and began using tear gas. Most people started to retreat from the square to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

Interestingly, during the first clashes, it was reported that pyrotechnics allegedly flew into the parliament building's window, causing a fire. Videos circulating online show flames within the building. The extent of the damage is still unclear. It has been noted that protesters broke some windows in the parliament and threw fireworks inside, while outside they burned an effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the so-called "honorary president" and the real owner of the "Georgian Dream" party, linked to Russia and the Kremlin regime.

Many, primarily the youth, remained in the square. In response, security forces began using special equipment, tear gas, and special forces also engaged in close combat. In retaliation, demonstrators used pyrotechnics, including a "Gatling" firecracker launcher, which was captured on video.

Later, the protest moved to Rustaveli Avenue, where demonstrators lit fires and built barricades. Security forces started extinguishing the fires with water cannons, while they bombarded the barricades with stun grenades and doused them with tear gas. Once again, there were many casualties, including members of the press who were attacked by special forces. Other media outlets published a series of videos from the scene.

It has been noted that for the first time, there were instances of refusal to follow orders from the command of the pro-government security forces. However, this was not from the police or special forces, but from firefighters who were tasked with delivering water for the water cannons. A video captured the moment when the fire crew refused to comply with the order to deliver water and poured it on the ground instead.

Protests in Georgia and their causes

Protests began in Tbilisi back in late October during the parliamentary elections in Georgia. The struggle was between the ruling party "Georgian Dream," which has been in power for 12 years, and pro-European opposition political forces. According to the Central Election Commission of Georgia, the ruling party, also considered pro-Russian, received over 54% of the votes, allowing it to unilaterally form a government. However, the opposition and the country's president Salome Zourabichvili did not recognize the election results, citing widespread ballot stuffing, manipulation, pressure, and attacks on opposition members and other egregious violations during the elections.

In response, the European Union demanded an investigation into all violations during the elections. The European Parliament adopted a resolution that does not recognize the results of the parliamentary elections in Georgia. The document states that these elections were neither free nor fair, and the full responsibility for the prolonged suppression of democracy in the country lies squarely with the ruling political party "Georgian Dream."

In response, Georgia's Prime Minister and former leader of the "Georgian Dream" party Irakli Kobakhidze announced that his country is refusing negotiations for EU membership until 2028. Kobakhidze is known to be a staunch supporter of Ivanishvili. Consequently, the position of the Georgian Prime Minister is entirely pro-Russian and anti-Western.

Ukraine expressed support for the Georgian protesters and condemned the violent actions of the pro-Russian Georgian government. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry sent a call to Tbilisi to investigate election violations and to cease attacks on demonstrators, respecting their right to peaceful protest.

It should be noted that Kobakhidze's decision and that of his government has already cost Georgia its strategic partnership with the USA. On November 30, the State Department issued a statement announcing the indefinite suspension of the strategic partnership due to Tbilisi's refusal of European integration and numerous anti-democratic actions by the government.