Context
On November 28, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the Georgian Dream party would not prioritize initiating negotiations on Georgia’s accession to the European Union until the end of 2028.
In his speech, Kobakhidze accused European politicians of using grants and loans allocated to Georgia as tools of blackmail. As a result, he declared that the Georgian Dream government would reject all budgetary grants from the European Union until the specified date. He assured that obligations under the Association Agenda and the Free Trade Agreement would still be fulfilled, albeit through self-financing, without any EU financial assistance.
“We intend to join the European Union not by begging and standing on one leg, but with dignity—through a functioning democratic system and a strong economy. While we will continue our journey toward EU integration, we will not tolerate constant blackmail and manipulation, which is offensive to our country and society,” Kobakhidze stated.
On the same day, the Georgian Dream party approved a new government, which the President of Georgia, opposition parties, and several partner countries deemed illegitimate. Critics alleged that the parliamentary elections held on October 26 were rigged, with the ruling party accused of manipulating results to steal votes from the opposition.
This decision sparked a surge in protests, as demands for new elections intensified. The refusal to open EU accession negotiations further fueled the unrest, culminating in continuous street rallies condemning the Georgian Dream’s actions.
Day 1
On November 28, large-scale protests erupted in Tbilisi, organized by civil activists and opposition parties, opposing the Georgian Dream’s decision. Demonstrators gathered near the Parliament and the party’s central office. Protests also spread to major cities like Kutaisi and Batumi, where participants rallied near local Georgian Dream offices and at Era Square, respectively.
Following Kobakhidze’s announcement, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili hosted EU ambassadors at her residence for talks. Opposition leaders later joined the discussions and issued a joint statement declaring the parliamentary elections fraudulent and the government illegitimate.
Tensions escalated during the rally near Parliament. Police employed water cannons and pepper spray, resulting in injuries to protesters and journalists. By nightfall, law enforcement had detained 43 individuals. Clashes also broke out in Kutaisi, where one person was arrested for blocking roads.
Day 2
On November 29, protests intensified outside Parliament, with demonstrators demanding early elections. Police dismantled barricades erected by protesters and forcibly cleared the area. Once again, they resorted to using water cannons and other crowd-control measures.
Journalists and media representatives were injured during the dispersal, and footage revealed excessive use of force and obstruction of media personnel. Local and international organizations voiced their concerns over the violence.
Day 3
By November 30, the protests had grown, with approximately 200,000 participants rallying in Tbilisi, according to the military analytical portal Visioner. Riot police dispersed demonstrators using tear gas and were seen physically assaulting smaller groups of protesters.
One shocking incident involved riot police storming the Rustaveli Theater, where protesters had sought refuge. Video footage showing police beating a fallen protester sparked outrage.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reported the detention of 107 individuals during the night of November 29-30. The United States responded by suspending its strategic partnership agreement with Georgia, signed in 2009.
Day 4
On December 1, protests continued outside Parliament and the Public Broadcasting building, with demonstrators accusing the media of biased reporting. They demanded live coverage and ultimately secured airtime to inform the public about ongoing events.
Violence persisted near Parliament as protesters clashed with law enforcement. Protesters hurled stones and pyrotechnics, while police responded with tear gas and water cannons. Fires broke out in parts of the Parliament building but were quickly extinguished.
That day, Georgian Ambassador to the U.S., David Zalkaliani, announced his resignation.
Day 5
On December 2, the protests near Parliament drew several thousand participants. Early in the evening, police dispersed the crowd, preventing them from approaching the building. Water cannons and tear gas were once again used to suppress resistance.
Protesters constructed barricades and used pyrotechnics to slow police advances. Reports of excessive force and detentions continued, with 23 protesters and 3 police officers hospitalized.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that 293 individuals had been detained as of December 3. Additionally, 143 law enforcement officers sustained injuries during the clashes.
Meanwhile, Bidzina Ivanishvili and nine other officials were banned from entering the Baltic states
Day 6
The protests resumed on December 3, centered around Parliament. Law enforcement used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, which moved to various locations across the city.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs detained 22 protesters that day. The Ministry of Health reported that 15 individuals were hospitalized due to injuries sustained during clashes on Rustaveli Avenue.
The Special Investigation Service launched an inquiry into alleged abuses of power by law enforcement against protesters and media personnel.
In a significant development, Georgian Public Broadcaster offered to organize a public discussion between the Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker, and former Georgian Dream ministers.
Over six days, Georgia’s ambassadors to the Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria, along with the acting ambassador to Italy, resigned.
Day 7
On December 4, the seventh day of the protests, representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted raids at the homes of civil activists and opposition party offices. Among those targeted were the founders of the Facebook group Daitove and the youth office of the National Movement party, as well as the offices of the Girchi and Droa parties.
During the raid on the Droa office, police arrested Nika Gvaramia, founder of the Akhali party and leader of the Coalition for Changes. He was taken to the city’s main police department and subsequently to a temporary detention center. Gvaramia was arrested alongside Gela Khasaya, a member of Girchi.
Law enforcement also detained Zviad Tsetskhladze, founder and leader of the organization Dafioni, as well as Vepkho Kasradze and Vaso Kadzelashvili, members of the Strong Georgia movement. Additionally, during a raid on the United National Movement office, five members of the party’s youth wing were arrested.
Meanwhile, police began searching and detaining citizens heading toward the ongoing rally. Tensions escalated near the Courtyard Marriott hotel, where opposition party representatives—those who had overcome barriers in the parliamentary elections—were gathering. Unknown individuals gathered outside the hotel, verbally and physically confronting opposition leaders. Police arrested Zura Datunashvili, a member of Akhali, as he was leaving the meeting of opposition parties.
Following these repressive actions, Irakli Shaishmelashvili, the head of the Operational Planning Division of the Urgent Tasks Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, resigned in protest.
In the evening, police arrested Aleko Elisashvili, leader of the Citizens party.
Despite these efforts to suppress the protests, the demonstrators remained undeterred, with their rally continuing near Parliament without interruption.
Day 8
Protests persisted for the 8th consecutive day across Tbilisi and other major Georgian cities as the Georgian Dream government intensified its repressive measures.
On December 5, police arrested actor Andro Chichinadze, detaining him at his residence. Stand-up comedian Onise Tskhadadze was also apprehended at his home. The Ministry of Internal Affairs charged them, along with three others—including a foreign citizen—with organizing group violence, participating in it, and publicly inciting violent action. These charges carry a potential penalty of up to nine years in prison.
During a demonstration in Kutaisi, police detained a minor who lost consciousness amidst their efforts to restrain him.
Additionally, MIA officers raided the home of Davit Kezerashvili, the founder of TV company Formula. Kezerashvili attributed this action to a decision by the Strasbourg Court earlier that day, which found that his right to a fair trial had been violated in the so-called training case. This case accused Kezerashvili of embezzling €5.06 million through a defense training project, though prosecutors were unable to substantiate the claims.
Political parties that emerged victorious in the October 26, 2024 elections issued a statement reiterating their demands:
“Once again, we clearly state the demands to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the fulfillment of which is necessary to overcome the crisis:
- Immediately release all illegal, political prisoners detained during the rallies and discontinue all cases against them.
- Schedule new elections, which will be conducted by a new, independent election administration and will be held under the conditions of political neutrality of law enforcement agencies! The victory of Georgia, our freedom, is inevitable!”
International responses intensified as well.
The US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller condemned the Georgian Dream government’s violent actions, stating:
“The United States strongly condemns the brutal and unjustified violence of the Georgian Dream against the citizens of Georgia. We will use the tools at our disposal to promote accountability for those who seek to undermine Georgia’s democracy.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed these sentiments and announced impending sanctions:
“The U.S. strongly condemns Georgian Dream’s brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens. We will use the tools at our disposal to promote accountability for those who seek to undermine Georgia’s democracy.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream party, and 18 senior officials, including Grigol Liluashvili, Tea Tsulukiani, and Kakha Kaladze. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky justified the move:
“Ukraine has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili and his accomplices—19 individuals. They are the ones who are selling out the interests of Georgia and its people. And we call on Europe, America and everyone in the world to do the same—to act with principle.”
In parallel, Dutch Foreign Minister Kaspar Feldkamp announced that the Netherlands would appeal to the EU to suspend Georgia’s visa-free regime:
“The violence against protesters and journalists, and the arrests of politicians in Georgia are unacceptable. That is why the Netherlands will call on the EU to suspend its visa-free arrangements with Georgia. I welcome the Baltic initiative to impose individual travel bans.”
Day 9
Rallies on Rustaveli Avenue continued on December 6, marked by the use of pepper spray, water cannons, disproportionate force by riot police, and multiple arrests.
The red security level in the Parliament was downgraded to yellow.
On the same day, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Coalition for Change, to 12 days of administrative detention. Aleko Elisashvili, a member of the Strong Georgia party, was also sentenced to detention as a preventive measure. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused him of attacking and physically assaulting Ali Babaev, a Georgian Dream member.
During a search at the residence of a family member of former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili, the MIA seized registered and unregistered weapons.
According to the Ministry, 48 protesters, including journalist Beka Korshia, were detained during the night of December 6–7. The Ministry stated that protest participants threw pyrotechnics and various objects at the Parliament building and law enforcement, injuring one MIA employee.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Estonian President Alar Karis, and Polish President Andrzej Duda issued a joint statement condemning violence against Georgian citizens. They called on Georgian Dream to immediately cease violent actions and uphold freedoms of assembly and expression.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola emphasized the Parliament’s commitment to supporting Georgia’s European path.
On December 6, a joint statement was released by economists and over 1,000 representatives of the IT sector, condemning violence and illegal detentions. Additionally, more than 90 musicians published a manifesto addressing the country’s current situation.
Day 10
The morning of December 7 saw the conclusion of the march by protest participants, with demonstrations resuming in the afternoon.
Protesters in Tbilisi began gathering at Tbilisi State University before marching toward the Parliament of Georgia. Meanwhile, police mobilized, but no special measures were used to disperse the rally.
In the evening, disturbing footage surfaced showing masked “titushky” brutally attacking TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze, cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli, and journalist Maka Janashia. The Special Investigation Service has launched an investigation into the incident.
The same violent group stormed the “Coalition for Change” office, physically assaulting several people, including party member Koba Khabazi. Actor Giorgi Makharadze was also attacked and beaten.
President Salome Zourabichvili condemned the violence on social media, labeling the attack on the TV Pirveli crew as “terror” and accusing Georgian Dream of revealing its true face even during live broadcasts.
In contrast, Mamuka Mdinaradze, a Georgian Dream member, dismissed the incidents as a likely provocation, stating there was “a 99% chance this was staged against the backdrop of a dead battery.”
On December 7, President Zourabichvili, visiting France, held meetings with key figures, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, billionaire Elon Musk, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
In a statement, Zourabichvili said, “I had an in-depth discussion with President Trump and President Macron. I exposed the stolen elections and the alarming repression against the Georgian people. I emphasized the need for a strong US. The Georgian people have a friend in Donald Trump. God bless the United States of America.”
US Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Helsinki Commission, commented on the events in Georgia, warning that the US might take measures against those perpetuating violence in the country.
Additionally, a European Commission report released on December 7 revealed that discussions are underway regarding the possible activation of a visa suspension mechanism for certain categories of individuals in Georgia.
Day 11
On December 8, the 11th day of protests, demonstrations resumed with a rally in support of media representatives. Journalists, cameramen, TV hosts, and other media professionals gathered at Republic Square at 3:00 PM to show solidarity with their injured colleagues.
The media representatives’ rally was organized the night before, following the release of footage showing an attack on TV Pirveli reporter Maka Chikhladze and cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli. Masked individuals brutally assaulted the TV Pirveli team, requiring both victims to be hospitalized. Protesters demanded a timely investigation and the punishment of the perpetrators.
Alongside Tbilisi, media representatives held rallies in other cities across Georgia, including Kutaisi, Batumi, and Gori, where demonstrators symbolically left equipment outside police buildings. Media professionals also condemned the violence against their colleagues in Kakheti.
From Republic Square, media representatives marched to the Parliament building, the traditional location of protests, where they joined other demonstrators.
Despite the ongoing protests, Tbilisi City Hall began constructing the city’s central Christmas tree early on December 8. Demonstrators hung photos of those injured and detained during the protests, along with flags of Georgia, the European Union, Ukraine, and the United States, on the unfinished structure, expressing their dissatisfaction in this way. Police surrounded the newly installed Christmas tree.
Citizens gathered on Rustaveli Avenue demanded the identification and punishment of the perpetrators, as well as the release of detained protesters. The 11th day of protests concluded without any violent dispersals or arrests.
Simultaneously, Georgian emigrants held a rally in New York. The protesters expressed solidarity with the demonstrators in Georgia, condemned the election results, and demanded a re-vote.
At the City Court, TBC Bank employees gathered to support two of their colleagues, Giorgi Maisuradze and Giorgi Korkadze. TBC Bank also issued a statement expressing solidarity with all detained participants of peaceful protests and called for the immediate release of its employees.
In the evening of December 8, Giorgi Vashadze, one of the leaders of the United National Movement party, was served a summons at his home by officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Criminal Police Department. He was called in for questioning as a witness in a case under Article 225 of the Criminal Code, which concerns organizing and participating in group violence. Vashadze refused to sign the summons without a lawyer present.
Day 12
Protests in Tbilisi and major cities across Georgia resumed for the 12th consecutive day. On December 9, around 10 a.m., musicians, actors, and directors gathered outside the Ministry of Culture to denounce the ongoing anti-democratic processes in the country. Protesters urged their colleagues to join in expressing dissent.
Simultaneously, an event titled “Architects for Solidarity” took place near City Hall. Following this, they joined demonstrators near the Georgian Public Broadcaster building.
This time, representatives from various sectors assembled near the Georgian Public Broadcaster, demanding management changes and access to airtime. A subsequent meeting between protest representatives and the broadcaster’s administration resulted in an agreement. General Director Tinatin Berdzenishvili announced that, starting from December 10, at 10:00 p.m. daily, the broadcaster would allocate airtime to individuals wishing to express their views: “This will be an equal platform. Our proposal to host discussions remains in place, and if there is readiness, we will address these issues live.”
Another protest occurred outside the Imedi television channel, where members of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s party, For Georgia, gathered, calling for editorial policy changes. Party representatives accused Imedi of promoting government propaganda and failing to provide objective coverage of ongoing events. In response, the television’s management labeled these demands as interference with their editorial independence.
As protests continued on Rustaveli Avenue, the evening demonstration concluded without incident. However, reports emerged later that night about the arrests of several demonstrators in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. According to Nona Kurdovanidze, chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, seven individuals were detained overnight.
On the same day, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a statement:
“The United Kingdom is immediately suspending programmatic support for the Georgian government, limiting cooperation in defense matters, and restricting engagement with representatives of the Georgian Dream government.”
Day 13
On December 10, the 13th day of protests, demonstrations continued in Tbilisi and regions across Georgia. In the capital, a group of demonstrators initially gathered outside the Ministry of Internal Affairs, bringing photos of citizens and journalists injured during the protests. After concluding the protest at the Ministry, participants moved to Rustaveli Avenue.
On this day, Rustaveli Avenue was once again blocked. In the evening, demonstrators assembled in front of the Parliament building with their consistent demands: calling for new elections, punishing perpetrators of violence, and releasing unlawfully detained individuals. The protest concluded without any dispersals; however, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, six individuals were arrested under administrative law during the night of December 10-11.
The Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, made a statement about those injured and detained during the protests. According to Ioseliani, members of the Ombudsman’s Office met with 327 detainees, 225 of whom reported mistreatment, while 157 showed signs of physical injuries. The Public Defender urged the Special Investigation Service to conduct a thorough investigation of each case.
On December 10, President Salome Zourabichvili awarded representatives of the media who were harmed during the protests for their civil dedication at the Orbeliani Palace.
The international response to the ongoing events in Georgia remains strong. During a press conference, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller once again condemned the situation in Georgia, reiterating that the U.S. is considering all tools at its disposal, including sanctions, to address the issue.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also voiced her support for Georgia, expressing solidarity with President Salome Zourabichvili:
As women leaders, we call on the international community to act decisively to protect Georgia’s democracy and the unwavering courage of its people and its President.
Additionally, the EU spokesperson issued a statement regarding the situation in Georgia. Anita Hipper, the EU’s lead spokesperson for foreign and security policy, announced that the EU will consider additional measures during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on December 16.
Information will be updated…
