Protests Erupt in Georgia Over Election Unrest

Tensions in Georgia are escalating as the EU threatens to freeze the country's accession bid if it enacts a 'foreign agents' law resembling Russia's. Protests have erupted in Tbilisi against the results of the October 26 parliamentary elections, which critics claim were fraudulent, leading to a significant police crackdown on demonstrators. On November 19, police forcibly dismantled a protest camp set up by opposition supporters, resulting in injuries among protesters and media personnel. Meanwhile, in the separatist region of Abkhazia, opposition groups have occupied government buildings in response to a controversial investment agreement with Russia, demanding early elections and the resignation of President Aslan Bzhania. The political unrest reflects broader concerns about increasing authoritarianism and a pivot towards Moscow by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Both situations highlight the challenges Georgia faces in its aspirations for EU integration amidst internal and external pressures.