Following the Georgian Prime Minister's remarks about rejecting EU membership, protests erupted across the country. Demonstrators blocked access to the port of Poti, protested near the parliament in Tbilisi, and held rallies in Khashuri, Batumi, Zugdidi, and Kutaisi. Security forces used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protests, but Georgians remain undeterred.

In recent days, protests against the country's deviation from its European course have been ongoing in Tbilisi and several other Georgian cities. In the capital, protesters blocked Shota Rustaveli Avenue (where the parliament is located) and Kostava Avenue (near the public broadcaster's building, where demonstrators demanded airtime for opposition representatives and President Salome Zourabichvili). On Shota Rustaveli Avenue, police used a water cannon stationed in the parliament's courtyard against the protesters, who responded by throwing firecrackers, trash, and stones. Hundreds of protesters have been detained.

Protesters gathered near the broadcaster's building demanded the resignation of the channel's general director and the chairman of the board of trustees. Otherwise, they intend to enter the building. Meanwhile, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili stated on Saturday that she does not intend to resign until a legitimate parliament is formed.
Protests are going in several cities, including Khashuri, Batumi, Zugdidi, and Kutaisi. In Poti, protesters blocked the access road to the port, claiming the government is hindering the country's integration with the EU.

The authorities have taken a hardline stance against the demonstrators. Prime Minister Kobakhidze stated that he would not allow the "Ukrainization of Georgia"—referring to the Maidan uprisings of 2003-2004 and 2013-2014 that led to regime changes in Ukraine.

Source: bbc.com