Events

Georgian police have briefly detained Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the opposition group the Coalition for Change and founder of the Girchi — More Freedom party, during protests in Tbilisi

Batumi State University students go on strike. Both the Batumi protests and the police presence there are larger than ever

On the morning of December 2, during a raid at Rustaveli Metro station, journalist Giorgi Chagelishvili of Mautskebeli was arrested

Students from public schools across Georgia are on strike, refusing to attend classes in protest

Protesters spent the 4th night on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. Riot police started dispersing crowd with tear gas early morning at around 7AM and chased demonstrators for 4km

Riot police are again issuing warnings and appear to be starting a major dispersal operation on Rustaveli Avenue. Protesters again get ready by setting up barricades

President of the European Council António Costa: Had a call with @Zourabichvili_S together with @kajakallas. We condemn the violence against protestors. Actions of government run counter to the will of the people. The EU stands with the people of Georgia

Protesters launch fireworks toward the Georgian parliament building, where riot police are deployed on the stairs. The riot police are firing water cannons back at the gathered demonstrators

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania announced on December 1, that three Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania “jointly agreed to impose national sanctions against those who suppressed legitimate protests in Georgia.”

Protests are announced in every major city in Georgia, including in Kutaisi and Rustavi

President @Zourabichvili_S addressed the nation, outlining the next steps in Georgia's struggle to save its European future. Protests: The ongoing protests, which are grassroots, self-organized, and spontaneous must remain independent, free from interference by political parties or the president. However, they do require support and protection. Demands: to pressure the Constitutional Court. The second demand is new elections. To restore peace and stability, the government must allow for fair and fraud-free elections.

Police dispersing protesters in Tbilisi with water cannons

Police units have appeared near the Parliament, and 2 water cannon vehicles have also been mobilized

The demonstrators blocked traffic on Kostava Street in front of the public broadcaster's building, which leads to the city's main transport hub. They had set a deadline of 19:30 for the station's management to meet with them. Photo: Otto Kantaria

For the fourth straight day and night, protesters have flooded the streets nationwide, including in front of the country’s parliament in Tbilisi

At dawn, after the police had cleared Rustaveli Avenue of protesters, citizens retreated to Tbilisi State University. The surrounding area has been blocked. The protesters are calling on people not to go to work, but to come and join them. Video: Gigi Kobakhidze/Civil.ge

Police using water cannons near the back side of the parliament building. The situation in front is more peaceful. Photo: Gigi Kobakhidze/Civil.ge

Tbilisi: The police began dispersing the demonstration using water cannons. The MIA stated that if the violence from the rally participants does not cease, they will be forced to use all special measures to end the rally. By 'all means,' they are referring to rubber bullets

A fire has broken out inside the Georgian Parliament building. Several windows have been broken on the outside, and protesters have also been launching fireworks

A drone photo shows a large section of Tbilisi's Rustaveil Avenue is currently covered by protesters. Photo: Vano Gorgishvili

Rustaveli Avenue now: the area around the parliament remains crowded and noisy on the third night of protests against Georgian Dream's foreign policy turn and police brutality. Photo: Muro Takalandze

US Department of State: U.S. with EU regrets Georgian Dream’s decision to suspend EU accession. We condemn excessive force used against Georgians rightfully protesting this betrayal of their constitution—EU is a bulwark against Kremlin. We have therefore suspended our Strategic Partnership with Georgia

Thousands are protesting in Kutaisi too. Pro-EU protests are simultaneously happening all over Georgia

Scenes in front of the Parliament of Georgia today, where a mass anti-government protest continues

Protesters have stormed the First Public Broadcaster building, demanding the resignation of its current leadership, an end to pro-government propaganda and the opportunity to go live at 20:00 to speak the truth

Rustaveli Avenue has been secured by police forces after the remaining few protesters were brutally beaten and arrested. Protests will continue tomorrow

01:00 - Protesters are building barricades on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi

Riot police have begun cracking down on protesters on Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi using tear gas and pepper spray to push them away from the Parliament building. However, protesters are returning toward Parliament as soon as the use of gas and spray subsides

Drone video of demonstrators in Tbilisi this evening- one days after riot police violently dispersed protesters. By @RTavisupleba

France urges Georgia to 'respect right to peaceful protest' amid crackdown