Georgia: Police Clash with Protesters Using Pepper Spray and Water Cannons

On Saturday, Georgian police deployed pepper spray and water cannons against protesters attempting to enter the presidential palace in Tbilisi.

Thousands took to the streets following calls from opposition parties for large-scale demonstrations against the ruling Georgian Dream party on local election day. The protests aim to revive daily demonstrations that began last year in response to alleged violations during parliamentary elections and the government’s decision to halt European Union accession talks.

The protests had not occurred in recent months. Crowds began gathering shortly after voting commenced on October 4, with some organizers stating their goal as a “peaceful overthrow of the government.”

By around 7:00 PM, demonstrators moved toward the presidential palace. The Georgian Ministry of Interior stated that the march had exceeded legally permitted norms, prompting police to respond with water cannons and pepper spray.

According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, police and protesters clashed physically, and demonstrators reportedly threw unidentified objects.

Former Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, who previously led peaceful protests, criticized the protesters’ actions:

“As the legitimate president, I oppose this and continue to stand with my people peacefully until new elections are held,” she said.

Before the protests, authorities had pledged strict measures against anyone attempting a “revolution.”