Georgia protesters clash with police after PM suspends EU membership talks
GuardianNOV 2024
Republic of Georgia: Rights Official Condemns "Torture" of Protestors
Above: Protesters holding Georgian and European flags clash with police on Dec. 1, 2024, during a demonstration against the government's decision to delay EU membership talks amid a post-election crisis in Tbilisi. Image copyright: Giorgi Arjevanidze/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The government's crackdown on peaceful protesters represents systematic repression reminiscent of Russian methods, targeting journalists and opposition leaders while betraying Georgia's constitutional commitment to European integration and democratic values.
Establishment-critical narrative
These government moves come after the EU has attempted to Blackmail Georgia into submission to the bloc's terms. Officials are taking a dignified and legitimate stand against European hegemony through their refusal to engage in accession talks under these conditions, and Georgians should back the decision.