Tension Rises in Tbilisi

The situation in Tbilisi is extremely tense. The police are mobilizing forces in various cities across the republic to maintain order. Water cannons have been brought to the square in Tbilisi where a rally is taking place.

A clash between protesters and the police was unavoidable. The protesters are chanting, "Russians, slaves!"

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has joined the opposition rally. Earlier today, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced that Georgia will abandon negotiations for EU membership until 2028, which has led to escalating tensions in the country.