Protests in Georgia Escalate as EU Condemns Government's Democratic Backsliding

International criticism grows over Georgia's pro-Russian policies and violent crackdown on pro-EU demonstrators.

Germany, France, and Poland have condemned the Georgian government's violent response to peaceful protests and called for respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The ruling Georgian Dream party faces accusations of authoritarianism and aligning with Russia, undermining Georgia's EU membership aspirations.
Mass protests have continued for over a month, sparked by the government's decision to suspend EU accession talks in late November.
Outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili has refused to step down, declaring the recent elections illegitimate and aligning with opposition calls for a re-run.
International responses include EU sanctions on Georgian officials and discussions of further measures as tensions in the South Caucasus nation intensify.