The Ministry of Health in Georgia reported that 26 individuals, primarily protesters, sustained injuries during the recent night of anti-government demonstrations in the country. The protests stem from the political crisis that arose after the disputed October election, prompting a wave of pro-EU demonstrators to rally against the ruling Georgian Dream party. Tensions escalated when Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced a delay in EU accession talks until 2028, sparking five consecutive days of large-scale protests in Tbilisi.
Of the 26 injured individuals, including protesters and law enforcement officers, 23 were demonstrators and three were from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Thankfully, none of the injuries were deemed life-threatening, with some individuals still under medical observation. Criticism has been directed at Tbilisi for the heavy-handed police response to the protests, drawing concern from the UN regarding the perceived disproportionate use of force by law enforcement.
The clashes between riot police and predominantly young protesters persisted into the following day, marked by the deployment of tear gas by authorities in response to demonstrators hurling fireworks.