Summary
Thousands of protesters in Georgia clashed with police in Tbilisi after municipal elections. The opposition accused the government of being authoritarian and pro-Russia, which led to the unrest. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd near the presidential palace.
Key Facts
- Protesters gathered in Tbilisi's Freedom Square and Rustaveli Avenue waving Georgian and EU flags.
- The opposition boycotted the election and called for a "peaceful revolution" against the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party.
- Georgian riot police used water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas to disperse the protesters.
- A group tried to storm the presidential palace, leading to a clash with the police.
- The Ministry of Internal Affairs declared the rally unlawful, citing legal violations.
- The ruling GD party claims it won control in all municipalities and denies being pro-Russia.
- Georgia's ties with Europe and the US have weakened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- The conflict follows months of demonstrations after a disputed parliamentary election last year.
