Mass protests in Georgia as government put EU accession talks on hold

Protesters in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, fired fireworks at riot police as pro-European demonstrations escalated following the government’s decision to halt talks on joining the EU.

Video footage captured hundreds of Georgian opposition supporters gathered in front of the parliament building, launching a stream of fireworks towards the police.

Three days ago Georgia’s Prime Minister announced he was suspending accession talks with the European Union until the end of 2028. In a country where the aspiration of EU membership is enshrined in the constitution, his announcement sparked the large street protests.

In a statement, the EU noted that Kobakhidze’s announcement marked a shift from the policies of previous Georgian governments and the European aspirations of the vast majority of the Georgian people. It strongly condemned the violence against peaceful protestors and democratic backsliding in Georgia.

via BBC