Georgia accuses protesters of plotting violence to disrupt presidential election

Georgian police use water cannons and tear gas canisters to disperse protesters, who attempted to surround the Parliament building in opposition to the government’s decision to delay European Union (EU) accession negotiations until 2028 in Tbilisi, Georgia on November 29, 2024.( AA Photo)

Georgia’s State Security Service has alleged that violent actions during ongoing protests in Tbilisi aim to disrupt the presidential election scheduled for Dec. 14.

Key developments in Georgia

Protests in Tbilisi:
Demonstrations erupted following the government’s decision to delay negotiations on European Union accession until 2028. While the number of protesters has dwindled in recent days, authorities claim certain groups are seeking to escalate tensions.
Alleged plans for violence:
The State Security Service claims that masked individuals recently attacked police, journalists, and civilians, describing these incidents as attempts to incite chaos and overthrow the government.
Election disruption concerns:
Authorities say there is a coordinated effort involving criminal groups to use violence during protests to prevent the Dec. 14 presidential election. Reports allege plans to kill two or three protesters this week to fuel unrest.
Foreign interference allegations:
The statement accused foreign intelligence services and local actors of orchestrating events, likening the situation to so-called “color revolutions.” The damage to security cameras in Tbilisi was also cited as an indication of growing tension.

Georgian opposition supporters rally to protest the results of the weekend's parliamentary elections, Tbilisi, October 28, 2024 (AFP Photo)Demonstrators with the flag of Georgia (L) and the European Union gather to protest in front of Gerogia's parliament in downtown Tbilisi on November 28, 2024, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said the country would not pursue European Union accession until 2028, accusing Brussels of "blackmail". - The announcement came hours after the European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution rejecting the results of Georgia's October 26 parliamentary elections, alleging "significant irregularities". (AFP Photo)

Government’s decision on EU negotiations

The protests were sparked by the government’s Nov. 28 announcement to delay EU accession talks until 2028.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused European politicians of meddling in Georgia’s internal affairs and using EU funds for political leverage.
He assured that Georgia remains committed to joining the EU by 2030.

International reactions

United States: The U.S. Department of State announced a suspension of strategic relations with Georgia and warned of potential sanctions.
European Union: Kaja Kallas, the EU’s high representative for foreign sffairs, expressed solidarity with anti-government protesters.
Baltic Nations: Some Georgian officials have been banned from entering Baltic states.
Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree imposing sanctions on Prime Minister Kobakhidze and other Georgian officials.

Background

Protests have continued for 13 days, fueled by opposition demands for EU alignment and backlash against the government’s decision. The situation remains volatile, with international and regional actors closely monitoring developments.

December 10, 2024 04:57 PM GMT+03:00