
Georgia protests: What’s behind them and what’s next?
Al JazeeraTens of thousands of demonstrators have clashed with riot police in Georgia over the past five nights in protests against the governing Georgian Dream party’s decision to suspend talks aimed at joining the European Union until 2028. It exemplifies the ruling Georgian Dream party’s pattern of democratic backsliding, state capture, rigging elections and attempts to undermine Georgia’s European aspirations.” How have Georgia’s authorities responded to the protests? The EU released a statement on Sunday saying the union “regrets Kobakhidze’s statement on Georgian Dream’s decision not to pursue the opening of EU accession negotiations and rejecting EU financial support until 2028”. The door to the EU remains open and the return of Georgia to the European values and the EU accession path is in the hands of the Georgian leadership.” The US Department of State also released a statement on Saturday saying: “By suspending Georgia’s EU accession process, Georgian Dream has rejected the opportunity for closer ties with Europe and made Georgia more vulnerable to the Kremlin.” The statement added: “We reiterate our call to the Georgian government to return to its Euro-Atlantic path, transparently investigate all parliamentary election irregularities, and repeal anti-democratic laws that limit freedoms of assembly and expression.” This referred to laws including the foreign agents bill and an anti-LGBTQ bill that was passed in September. “The future is uncertain, but the protests clearly underscore mounting public dissatisfaction with the government’s blunt deviation from Georgia’s European course,” Akhvlediani said.
History of this topic

Georgia moves to toughen protest laws amid political crisis
Firstpost
A Russia-like crackdown has jailed dozens in Georgia, with human rights groups sounding the alarm
Associated Press
Germany, France and Poland condemn violence in Georgia, stress support for pro-democracy movement
Associated Press
Germany, France and Poland condemn violence in Georgia, stress support for pro-democracy movement
The Independent
Protests engulf Georgia as far-right Mikheil Kavelashvili is sworn in as president - but predecessor insists she is the only legitimate leader
Daily Mail
Thousands of Georgians Protest Against New President Outside Parliament
Deccan Chronicle
Georgia’s outgoing president urges EU to use more leverage to back protesters
Live Mint
Georgia’s outgoing president urges EU to use more leverage to back protesters
Associated Press
EU to suspend visas for Georgian officials over the security crackdown on opposition protestors
The Independent
Thousands rally in Georgia’s 12th day of pro-EU protests
Al Jazeera
Georgian journalists allege brutal beatings as protests rage against ending EU talks
Associated Press
Crackdown fails to deter protesters as Georgia's EU dreams hang in balance
Firstpost
Germany, France and Poland condemn use of force against protesters in Georgia
Associated Press
Another Ukrainian like 2014 regime change in Georgia
China Daily
Police in Georgia turn increasingly brutal as mass protests over ending EU talks enter second week
Associated Press
Ukraine sanctions Georgian leaders over crackdown on pro-EU protests
Al Jazeera
Opposition party leader arrested as Georgia authorities try to curb protests over ending EU talks
Associated Press
Demonstrators again converge on Georgia’s parliament after the country’s EU bid was suspended
Associated Press
Protests lay bare a clash of values and interests as Georgia navigates a Russia-West standoff
Associated Press
Georgia president calls for help from Europe as mass protests continue over EU talks being put on hold
The Independent
Police in Georgia move again to disperse protests over the suspension of EU talks
Associated Press
Explained: What’s behind the massive protests in Georgia?
Firstpost
Thousands defy police and fireworks as Georgia's pro-EU protest movement grows
Firstpost
Georgia is being rocked by growing protests. Here’s what you need to know
CNN
Tens of thousands of pro-EU protesters rally in Georgia
Al Jazeera
Georgia's prime minister accuses 'foreign instructors' of fermenting violent clashes between police and pro-EU protesters - as British man is arrested for 'breaking into Georgian parliament building'
Daily Mail
Amid continuous protests, Georgia PM rules out fresh parliamentary elections after contested vote
Firstpost
Georgia plunges towards full-on civil revolt as countless pro-EU protesters rally in Tbilisi and clash with police while re-elected prime minister DEMANDS West-aligned president steps down this month
Daily Mail
Dozens of people hospitalized in Georgia during protests over the suspension of EU talks
LA Times
Veldkamp condemns violence during pro-European protests in Georgia
NL Times
Protesters gather for third night of demonstrations after Georgia announces suspension of EU talks
NPR
Georgia protests spread as prime minister dismisses call for new elections
Al Jazeera
Over 100 held as Georgian police clash with protesters over EU talks suspension
Deccan Chronicle
Protesters gather for third night of demonstrations after Georgia announces suspension of EU talks
Associated Press
Georgian police clash with protesters over suspension of EU talks
LA Times
Georgia’s president will not step down until ‘illegitimate’ election rerun
Al Jazeera
Georgian Protesters And Police Clash After Prime Minister Suspends Talks On Joining The EU
Huff Post
Georgian protesters and police clash after prime minister suspends talks on joining the EU
Associated Press
Georgia protesters clash with police after PM suspends EU membership talks
Al Jazeera
Georgia suspends European Union entry talks, accuses bloc of blackmail
India Today
Georgian govt suspends accession negotiations with EU
China Daily
Georgian govt suspends accession negotiations with EU
China Daily
Georgia suspends talks on joining the EU for 4 years, accusing the bloc of ‘blackmail’
Associated Press
Georgia suspends talks on joining the EU for 4 years, accusing the bloc of 'blackmail'
The Independent
Georgia to suspend EU accession talks until 2028
Al Jazeera
Georgia suspends talks on joining European Union, accusing bloc of blackmail
LA Times
Georgia election body confirms ruling party’s disputed win amid protests
Al Jazeera
Protesters Demand Election Revocation in Georgia Amid Election Irregularities
Associated Press
Georgia's crucial vote was marred by intimidation, European monitors say
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