Georgia: Violence Erupts During Pro-European Protests, Targeting Journalists

In the South Caucasus nation of Georgia, pro-European protests have escalated into severe violence, with masked individuals in black clothing violently attacking peaceful demonstrators, including journalists. Reports indicate that law enforcement has largely remained passive during these incidents.

Footage circulating on social media depicts alarming scenes where groups of masked men are seen assaulting civilians, with one reporter from the opposition outlet TV Pirveli reportedly being beaten to the ground. Eyewitness accounts suggest that police forces observed these assaults without intervening.

President Salome Surabichwili has suggested that the Russian government may be behind these attacks, asserting that they are aimed at instilling fear among the populace. She criticized the actions of the masked individuals, describing them as targeting civilians, politicians, and media personnel.

The protests, which have persisted for ten consecutive days, are a response to the Georgian government's decision to postpone negotiations for European Union membership until 2028. This has led to an atmosphere of unrest, with numerous injuries and hundreds of arrests reported in Tbilisi and other cities as citizens express their discontent over a perceived shift away from Georgia's pro-Western stance.

The Georgian Public Defender, Lewan Iosseliani, has called on law enforcement to take immediate action against the violence and ensure the safety of the citizens. He emphasized the need for accountability for those responsible for the disturbances, following previous concerns regarding the treatment of dissenters in detention. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced the initiation of investigations into these violent occurrences.

In response to the escalating violence, various religious leaders have joined the protests, showing solidarity with those advocating for EU membership. They have openly condemned the violence inflicted during the demonstrations.

Initially, the protests were focused on the call for EU accession and opposition to police brutality; however, they have now expanded to include demands for the release of protesters who have been detained. The unrest was triggered by the controversial parliamentary elections that took place at the end of October, where the ruling party, Georgian Dream, was declared the victor amidst allegations of electoral fraud by the opposition, which claims the election results are illegitimate.

The situation remains tense as the protests continue, highlighting the deep divisions within Georgian society regarding its future direction and relationship with the European Union.