Tibilisi: In Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, police deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds protesting the government's decision to halt discussions on joining the European Union. The demonstrations, which had persisted for several days, culminated in clashes early Monday, with several protesters reportedly detained, according to Russian news agencies.

The unrest saw thousands take to the streets in a nation of 3.7 million, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of adopting increasingly authoritarian, anti-Western, and pro-Russian policies. Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building, expressing frustration at what they perceived as a betrayal of Georgia’s aspirations to align more closely with the EU.

The prolonged standoff ended when police pushed protesters down Rustaveli Avenue toward the Tbilisi opera house, erecting makeshift barricades to control the situation. Protesters retaliated by launching fireworks at officers, who responded with forceful measures, including water cannons and tear gas, to clear the area.

Internationally, both the European Union and the United States expressed deep concern over what they described as Georgia’s pivot away from its pro-Western trajectory toward a more Russia-aligned stance. Meanwhile, Georgian Dream defended its actions, asserting that the party is prioritizing the country’s sovereignty and resisting external influences.