Disturbing footage captures Georgian protesters clashing with riot police after attempting to breach the country's presidential palace.
On Saturday, riot police in the capital, Tbilisi, deployed water cannons and pepper spray to disperse protesters amid a widespread crackdown on dissent.
Moment protesters attempt to breach Georgia’s presidential palace
Tens of thousands rallied in the capital, Tbilisi, to protest against the repressive policies of the ruling party,
Police use water cannons to disperse protesters during an opposition rally on the day of local elections in central Tbilisi
Protesters burn barricades while clashing with police during an opposition rally
Tens of thousands of individuals gathered in Tbilisi to protest against the oppressive policies of the ruling party, Georgian Dream.
They perceive the party as attempting to steer the nation away from its democratic principles and closer to Russia's influence.
Footage displayed hundreds of protesters waving Georgian flags and holding placards advocating for European Union membership.
Some attempted to force their way into the presidential palace in central Tbilisi, breaking the gate before being repelled by riot police.
The rally's organizers urged protesters to reclaim power for the people amid growing frustration with a government that has imprisoned key opposition figures, sought to silence critical media, and imposed mass arrests and heavy fines on mostly peaceful demonstrators.
The opposition had promised a peaceful revolution prior to Saturday’s municipal election, which was boycotted by most parties critical of Georgian Dream.
Giorgi Rukhadze, a political analyst in Tbilisi and one of the protesters who marched on Saturday, dismissed the election as a sham.
Georgian police stated that the ongoing rally violated laws governing public assemblies and protests but did not provide specific details.
Dissent has escalated since Georgian Dream suspended talks regarding EU membership last year, leading to waves of protests met with mass arrests and police violence.
This decision followed the ruling party's declaration of victory in an election that the opposition claimed was manipulated.
European election observers noted that the October vote occurred in a divisive atmosphere characterized by instances of bribery, double voting, and physical violence.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze subsequently announced the contentious pause on EU membership discussions.
His party stated, “We have decided not to place the issue of initiating negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028."
He has been accused by the country’s president, a largely ceremonial figure, Salome Zourabichvili, of being pro-Russian.
Protesters react to tear gas during an opposition rally on the day of local elections in Tbilisi, Georgia October 4, 2025
Police deploy a water cannon to block protesters during an opposition rally in Tbilisi, Georgia
Protesters burn barricades while clashing with police during an opposition rally
The protests, both large and small, have persisted despite a multifaceted crackdown by the government through laws that target demonstrators, rights groups, non-governmental organizations, and independent media.
Critics argue that some of these laws are modeled after legislation enacted in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin has severely suppressed dissent.
“We are fighting for our rights and our independence,” protester Sophio Asatiani told AP.
