107 Arrested in Georgia Protests Against EU Talks

Protests erupted in Tbilisi, Georgia, following the government's announcement to suspend EU accession talks until 2028, with 107 arrests made during violent clashes between demonstrators and police. The ruling Georgian Dream party's decision came in the wake of a European Parliament resolution condemning the recent parliamentary elections as undemocratic. Protesters expressed their anger by attacking government offices and clashing with law enforcement, who responded with water cannons and tear gas. President Salome Zourabichvili condemned the government's actions as a declaration of 'war' on the citizens and joined the protests, while Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the suspension as necessary to avoid EU 'blackmail.' The unrest reflects widespread discontent over perceived authoritarian measures by the government, which some argue align more closely with Russian influence. The situation remains tense as demonstrators vow to continue their fight for EU integration.