Protests erupt in Georgian capital over government's EU application delay

TBILISI, GEORGIA - NOV. 29: A protest erupted in Georgian capital late Thursday, Nov. 28, following the decision by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to postpone his country’s European Union (EU) accession negotiations until 2028. The protest, which began outside the parliament building, led to clashes with police and the temporary closure of a major street in Tbilisi. The demonstration was triggered by Kobakhidze's announcement, which has sparked widespread dissatisfaction among some segments of the population. Protesters gathered overnight, with tensions escalating around midnight as some attempted to surround the parliament building. This led to confrontations with law enforcement, who used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. By early Friday morning, protesters had set up barricades and ignited fires on Shota Rustaveli Avenue, a key thoroughfare in Tbilisi, while hurling stones, metal objects, and plastic bottles at police officers. Security forces responded by clearing the area and reopening the street to traffic. During the unrest, several individuals were detained. Local reports indicate that there were injuries on both sides, though the extent remains unclear. (Footage by Davit Kachkachishvili/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)