Mass Protests Erupt in Georgia Against Russian, Anti-EU Government

Tens of thousands of Georgians took to the streets this weekend in nationwide protests against the decision by pro-Russia party Georgian Dream to pause the country’s bid to join the European Union.

The protests: Protesters on Sunday gathered outside Parliament in Tbilisi with EU flags, banging on the front door. Beyond the capital, demonstrators also blocked an access road into the country’s commercial port near the Black Sea city of Poti. Footage from the town of Khashuri shows people throwing eggs at the local Georgian Dream office and destroying the party’s flag.

Crackdown: The Russia-backed police force responded with force, hitting protesters with rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons, as well as physical violence. More than 150 people have been arrested over the past few days.

The United States and the EU have condemned the crackdown.

Illegitimate elections: The country has been rocked with civil unrest since the pro-Russia party rigged the election on October 26. Outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili has called the Georgian Dream government “illegitimate” and joined protesters to call for a new vote.

We only have one demand, which is based on the constitution. The only way to achieve stability is through new elections, there is no other way.
—Salome Zurabishvili

The European Parliament rejected the election results and called for sanctions against Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and others in Georgian Dream. The EU has called for an investigation into the elections.

Hostage to Moscow: A majority of Georgians have become deeply hostile toward Russia since 2008, when it invaded and occupied about a fifth of the country. More than 80 percent of Georgians want to integrate into the EU in hopes of diminishing Russia’s control over the country.

Restoring the Soviet empire: Russia’s efforts to draw Georgia away from Europe and violently shut down the overwhelming political opposition show that Russian President Vladimir Putin is determined to maintain control in the country.

Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry has long warned that Putin mourns the demise of the Soviet Union and longs to bring Georgia and other states back into a renewed, imperial Russia.

To learn about Putin’s ambitions and his role in prophecy, order Mr. Flurry’s free booklet The Prophesied ‘Prince of Russia.’