SHOCKING footage shows Georgia protestors clashing with riot cops after trying to storm the country’s presidential palace.
Riot police in capital Tbilisi used water cannons and pepper spray on Saturday to push back protesters amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent.
Moment protesters attempt to storm into Georgia’s presidential palace[/caption]
Police use water cannons to disperse protesters during an opposition rally on the day of local elections in central Tbilisi[/caption]
Protesters burn barricades as they clash with police during an opposition rally[/caption]
Tens of thousands of people rallied in the capital, Tbilisi, to protest repressive policies by the governing party, Georgian Dream.
They see the party as trying to pull their country away from its democratic ideals – and into Russia‘s orbit.
Footage showed hundreds of protestors carrying Georgian flags and placards supporting membership in the European Union.
Some then tried to force entry into the presidential palace in central Tbilisi, smashing the gate before being driven away by riot police.
The rally’s organisers called on protesters to take power back into the hands of the people amid frustration with a government that has jailed key opposition figures, attempted to shut down critical media and used mass arrest and steep fines against largely peaceful demonstrators.
The opposition had promised a peaceful revolution before Saturday’s municipal election, boycotted by most parties critical of Georgian Dream.
Giorgi Rukhadze, a political analyst in Tbilisi who was one of the protesters marching on Saturday, dismissed the vote as a mock election.
Georgian police said the ongoing rally violated Georgian laws that regulate public assemblies and protests. It didn’t provide specifics.
Dissent grew after Georgian Dream halted talks about joining the EU last year, triggering waves of protests that have been met with mass arrests and police violence.
The move came after the longtime ruling party declared victory in an election the opposition said was rigged.
European election observers said October’s vote took place in a divisive atmosphere marked by instances of bribery, double voting and physical violence.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze then announced his controversial EU membership pause.
His party said: “We have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028.
He has been accused by the country’s president, a largely ceremonial role, Salome Zourabichvili, of being pro-Russia.
Protesters react to tear gas during an opposition rally on the day of local elections in Tbilisi, Georgia October 4, 2025[/caption]
Police use a water cannon to block protesters during an opposition rally in the city center of Tbilisi, Georgia[/caption]
Protesters burn barricades as they clash with police during an opposition rally[/caption]
The rallies, big and small, have continued despite a multipronged crackdown by the government through laws that target demonstrators, rights groups, nongovernmental organisations and independent media.
Critics say some have been modelled on legislation passed in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin has harshly stifled dissent.
“We fight for our rights, for independence, protester Sophio Asatiani told AP.
She said that she didn’t want to see a return to the Soviet era, when Georgia was ruled from Moscow.
Police use a water cannon to block protesters during an opposition rally in the city center of Tbilisi[/caption]
