More than 300 individuals have been detained since mass protests erupted in Georgia six nights ago, with numerous reports emerging of violent police actions against demonstrators. The protests began after the ruling Georgian Dream party announced its decision to halt the country’s bid to initiate talks on joining the European Union, sparking widespread public outrage.

Avandtil Kuchava, a 28-year-old businessman, recounted his harrowing ordeal to the BBC. He described being repeatedly kicked in the head by police, even after losing consciousness. "When I opened my eyes a third time, I couldn't feel my legs or hands—I couldn't even move my head," he said. Despite undergoing two days of hospitalization, he holds little hope for justice, despite the presence of CCTV cameras near the site of the attack.

Georgia’s human rights ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, has condemned the police’s use of force, labeling it as torture. Injuries sustained by protesters—predominantly to the face, eyes, and head—have led to accusations of violent punishment tactics. The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, expressed grave concern over the "unnecessary or disproportionate force" employed by authorities.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused opposition politicians of instigating violence, but international criticism has mounted against his government. The U.S. embassy in Tbilisi issued a stern warning, urging Georgian Dream to take responsibility for its actions. The embassy also reminded citizens that the ruling party’s decisions had jeopardized the country’s EU aspirations and its strategic partnership with the U.S.

Protesters have continued to flood the streets nightly, demonstrating their determination to maintain Georgia’s path toward Europe and resist any shift toward Russian influence. Viral videos show demonstrators bravely confronting riot police armed with tear gas and water cannons. One widely shared clip features a woman, identified as Nana Tomaradze, defiantly walking into a barricade of riot shields while berating the officers before being detained.

Meanwhile, chilling footage depicts protesters being beaten by police in unmarked uniforms. Among them, a middle-aged man in an orange jacket is seen being punched and pushed to the ground, while another protester lying prostrate is repeatedly kicked in the head.

The protests have also sparked legal battles. On Tuesday, hopes for annulment of the contentious 26 October parliamentary elections were dashed when Georgia’s constitutional court rejected a lawsuit supported by pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili and four major opposition groups.

Outside detention centers, activists have displayed images of bruised protesters and demanded justice. “We want the international community to understand that this is not only a fight for Georgian people but a fight between Russia and Western values,” said activist Mari Kapadnadze.

The protests show no sign of abating as Georgians continue to voice their dissatisfaction with the government’s perceived drift toward authoritarianism. The ruling Georgian Dream party, in power for 12 years, has faced increasing criticism for implementing restrictive laws on civil society, freedom of speech, and LGBTQ rights. With international scrutiny intensifying, the outcome of this standoff could significantly shape Georgia’s political future and its relationship with the West.