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Georgian opposition leader Zurab Japaridze was arrested Monday after four consecutive nights of anti-government protests in Tbilisi, NBC News reports. Demonstrations erupted after the government announced it was suspending negotiations to join the European Union, seen by critics as a shift away from pro-Western policies. Police used water cannons and tear gas on demonstrators outside Parliament. Protesters retaliated with fireworks, resulting in injuries on both sides. The move to suspend EU talks has been interpreted as a sign of Russian influence. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned Georgia was "moving along the Ukrainian path.” Western nations have expressed concerns over Georgia's perceived retreat from democracy, citing excessive police force during protests. President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-European Union figure, condemned the violence, saying the protests reflect "the revolt of an entire country.” Hundreds of diplomats and civil servants signed letters opposing the EU talks suspension. At least four ambassadors resigned in protest. Zourabichvili has called for the Constitutional Court to annul the October elections, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of rigging the vote. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the opposition of inciting "coordinated violence," while protesters reported injuries from police beatings. Laws targeting "foreign agents" and LGBT rights have deepened tensions, with Georgian Dream justifying these moves as protecting sovereignty from Western interference.
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