Thousands protest for second night against government decision to suspend EU talks

Thousands of people have protested for a second night against the Georgian government's decision to suspend European Union accession negotiations.

Protesters again swarmed the parliament in the capital Tbilisi, with some trying to break the metal gates to the building.

Riot police used water cannons to push them away from the building and later moved to force them farther back along the Rustaveli Avenue, the city's main boulevard.

Some of the protesters used garbage bins and benches to try to build barricades with officers reportedly also using tear gas and pepper spray.

That elicited an angry response from the country’s pro-EU president Salome Zourabichvilli, who has long been at odds with the pro-Russia Georgian Dream party.

"Once again, we witness brutal and disproportionate attacks on the Georgian people and media, reminiscent of Russian-style repression," she said in a post on X.

"These actions will not be forgiven! Those responsible for the use of force should be held responsible."

Zourabichvili joined protesters on Thursday evening after accusing the government of declaring “war” on its own people.

Clashes between police and protesters also erupted late on Friday night in the Black Sea port city of Batumi.

"We are not only fighting against Georgian Dream; we are fighting against Russia, we are fighting against Russian influence in this country. An enormous amount of resources, money, and everything is now being enacted. That is why I do ask all leaders of the democratic world to support the Georgian people. Sanctions, actions, funding, everything needs to be done. That's very important," said Giorgi Vashadze, the leader of Unity National Movement Coalition. 

The Georgian Dream's disputed victory in the 26 October