Day 7: Massive protests in Georgia for a European future - live updates, photos, videos
-
An impromptu concert at the protest in Tbilisi. Video
An impromptu concert at the protest in Tbilisi reflects the creative mix of resistance tools used by demonstrators. A young man in a bright green helmet played a small drum, soon joined by someone on a real trumpet, while the crowd kept rhythm by striking the asphalt with sticks and shields prepared for defense against riot police.
So far, the seventh night remains peaceful. It’s nearly 2 a.m., and Rustaveli Avenue is still packed with tens of thousands of people.
An impromptu concert at the protest in #Tbilisi reflects the creative mix of resistance tools used by demonstrators. A young man in a bright green helmet played a small drum, soon joined by someone on a real trumpet, while the crowd kept rhythm by striking the asphalt with sticks… pic.twitter.com/HzUP2ve69E
— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) December 4, 2024
-
+1 in Tbilisi: protesters have lit bonfires on an avenue near the parliament to keep warm. Video
+1 in Tbilisi: protesters have lit bonfires on an avenue near the parliament to keep warm. Volunteers are handing out hot tea in paper cups, which are also being used as fuel for the fires. Riot police are stationed on the other side of the parliament but remain inactive for now. There are no sirens, tear gas, or water cannons yet.
+1 in Tbilisi: protesters have lit bonfires on an avenue near the parliament to keep warm. Volunteers are handing out hot tea in paper cups, which are also being used as fuel for the fires. Riot police are stationed on the other side of the parliament but remain inactive for now.… pic.twitter.com/cQsneQl8fM
— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) December 4, 2024
-
Protesters in Kutaisi brought an effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili dressed in a prison uniform to the demonstration. Video
Protesters in #Georgia brought an effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party and oligarch, dressed in a prison uniform, to their large demonstration running in the city of Kutaisi parallel to the Tbilisi protest. However, police confiscated it.
Protesters in #Georgia brought an effigy of Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party and oligarch, dressed in a prison uniform, to their large demonstration running in the city of Kutaisi parallel to the Tbilisi protest. However, police… pic.twitter.com/ye2aitaj9Y
— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) December 4, 2024
-
A senior official from the Special Tasks Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, linked to crackdowns, beatings, and arrests of protesters, has resigned
Irakli Shaishmelashvili, a senior official from the Special Tasks Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who was directly involved in the crackdowns, beatings, and arrests of protesters, has announced his resignation—at least according to a social media post he shared. His statement does not mention the reasons for his decision and is accompanied by three emojis.
-
Tens of thousands of warmly dressed protesters gathered outside the parliament today. Video
Tens of thousands of well-prepared protesters gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi tonight, braving the cold for the seventh consecutive evening of demonstrations. Drone operators monitoring the crowd report that today’s turnout exceeds that of the previous six days.
Tens of thousands of well-prepared protesters gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in #Tbilisi tonight, braving the cold for the seventh consecutive evening of demonstrations. Drone operators monitoring the crowd report that today’s turnout exceeds that of the previous six days. pic.twitter.com/1ymbfWEO5P
— JAMnews (@JAMnewsCaucasus) December 4, 2024
-
Zurab Datunashvili, a two-time world champion and member of the "Akhali" party, has been detained
Zurab Datunashvili, a member of the “Akhali” party and a Greco-Roman wrestler, has been detained near the Marriott Hotel following an opposition meeting. Opposition media report that provocateurs were stationed near the hotel and instigated a brawl. It remains unclear what charges Datunashvili faces.
Additionally, police have taken Aleko Elisashvili, leader of the “Citizens” party, into custody.
Photo: Zurab Datunashvili.
-
Former deputy head of Georgia's Security Service calls on the army to "take a clear stand before a Russian intervention occurs and blood is shed"
Former head of Georgia’s Special State Protection Service and ex-deputy head of the Security Service, Giorgi Aleqsidze, has issued sharp accusations against the government and called on the military to “fulfill its duty to defend the constitutionally guaranteed political path of the country and prevent the threat of another [Russian] intervention.”
“The illegitimate oligarchy created by our relentless enemy [Russia], an oligarchy that falsifies elections, is trying at all costs to seize control of the country. Modern times have introduced new forms of warfare—we see Russia occupying and annexing independent and democratic states. Often, the real danger is well-disguised, making it difficult to recognize in time. But who, if not you, has clearly witnessed how [the authorities] have treated Georgia’s armed forces in recent years? They accused you of starting and losing the war, insulted and disrespected the memory of our national heroes, and dishonored the country’s commander-in-chief [the president] in front of soldiers.
Our steadfast partners, who have made significant contributions to rebuilding Georgia’s military over the past decade, are now being labeled as enemies. In this situation, they have been forced to halt all assistance and training programs, which will undoubtedly have catastrophic consequences in the near future and critically weaken Georgia’s defense capabilities.
In the face of unprecedented systematic violence against Georgia’s population by a corrupt system and the criminal alteration of the country’s constitutional course, as well as the looming threat of another Russian invasion, the responsibility to defend the homeland and preserve its independence falls on every one of you—especially senior officers and generals of the General Staff.
It is time to take a clear stand and reaffirm your loyalty to the homeland and the Georgian people, before more blood is shed, and the hard-won independence is lost. Otherwise, tomorrow there may be nothing left to defend.”
-
Police in Tbilisi aggressively target people wearing masks and helmets in preparation for today’s protest. Video
Police forces are seen moving back and forth through the metro stations of Freedom Square and Rustaveli. These stations, located at either end of the central Rustaveli Avenue, form an intricate tapestry of paths where people embark on their journey to participate in the protests, demanding that Georgia reaffirms its path toward European integration. This movement through the stations weaves together a kaleidoscopic scene of action, with each step contributing to the vivid mosaic of the day’s events.
-
The arrest of seven opposition politicians and activists has been confirmed
The arrest of seven opposition politicians and activists has been confirmed following mass searches today at the offices and homes of opposition members and protest participants. “The search of opposition party offices in Georgia was conducted under the charge of ‘organizing group violence, participating in it, or inciting violent actions,'” the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated. The detainees face up to nine years in prison under this charge.
Searches were carried out at the homes of six individuals, as well as at the offices of the “Droa” and “Girchi” parties, the “Jiutebi” movement office, and the youth office of the “United National Movement” party.
It is still unclear what is happening with Nika Gvaramia, the leader of the “Akhali” party, who was beaten and arrested. It is only known that he has been transferred to a detention facility in Marneuli, 40 km from Tbilisi.
-
Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets again in Batumi. Video by "Formula" TV channel
-
The seventh night of protests begins on Rustaveli Avenue. Photo
-
Georgia president calls on partners to "put strong pressure" on the country's ruling party
-
Georgia protests, 3-4 December, 2024. Photo/video. Live