Protests in Georgia Escalate Over Postponed EU Accession Talks

Demonstrations continue against alleged election fraud and government repression, with international leaders condemning police violence and calling for detainee releases.

Mass protests have persisted for two weeks in Georgia after the government postponed EU accession talks until 2028, a decision widely opposed by the public and constitutionally enshrined EU integration goals.
Over 400 protesters have been arrested, with reports of police violence, including tear gas and water cannons, and allegations of torture and mistreatment in detention.
French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the crackdown, urging the release of arbitrarily detained protesters and calling for dialogue to address the crisis.
The European Union is considering sanctions against Georgian officials, citing credible concerns of human rights abuses, while Hungary has signaled it may veto such measures.
Critics accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party of authoritarianism and aligning with Russia, while protesters demand new elections and the continuation of Georgia's pro-European trajectory.