Georgia’s Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that 26 individuals, including protesters and law enforcement officers, sustained injuries during the latest anti-government demonstrations in Tbilisi.
The protests, now in their fifth consecutive day, have seen tens of thousands of citizens opposing the governing Georgian Dream party and its recent decision to delay talks on European Union accession until 2028.
According to the ministry, 23 protesters and three representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs were among those injured during Monday’s protests.
While none of the injuries were life-threatening, some of the injured remain under medical observation.
The demonstrations escalated late Monday night, with riot police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds of mostly young protesters.
Demonstrators responded by throwing fireworks at security forces, intensifying the standoff.
The unrest was sparked by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement last week, shelving discussions on EU accession until 2028.
This decision has been widely criticized as a step back from Georgia’s pro-European aspirations.
The protests come amid a broader political crisis following contested elections in October, which many in the opposition claim were rigged.
The international community has expressed concern over the government’s handling of the protests.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the “disproportionate” use of force by Georgian police, while several Western nations have criticized the excessive measures taken against demonstrators.
The standoff between protesters and riot police persisted into the early hours of Tuesday, highlighting the growing tension in the country.
Protesters are demanding greater alignment with EU principles and rejecting what they see as a retreat from democratic values.
The Georgian government has yet to issue a formal response to the accusations of excessive force, while opposition leaders vow to continue mobilizing citizens in support of EU integration and democratic reforms.