**43 Arrested During Protest in Tbilisi**
On November 29, police arrested 43 people during a protest near the Parliament building in Tbilisi. The arrests were made on charges of petty hooliganism and disobeying lawful police orders.
The protest started when Irakli Kobakhidze said that the Georgian Dream leadership had decided to delay the country’s EU accession process until 2028. This decision was seen as a way to avoid meeting conditions set by Brussels that “contradict Georgian values”.
**Police Response Questioned**
The Ministry of Internal Affairs claimed it acted to protect public order, saying protesters provoked police and engaged in physical and verbal confrontations. However, eyewitnesses and media footage show a different picture. The police used force, including pepper spray and water cannons, without clear provocation.
Human rights groups criticized the use of chemical irritants and water cannons, saying they were against international best practices and local regulations.
**Targeted Police Brutality Against Journalists**
Last night’s protest was also marked by targeted police brutality against a dozen journalists. The Ministry of Internal Affairs did not mention this in its statement.
There were also reports of unidentifiable men in black clothing who operated alongside riot police, using force and special gear. It is unclear if they are official police officers or not.
**Police Injuries**
The Ministry reported that 32 police officers were injured overnight, with 13 requiring surgical intervention and one still hospitalized. Investigations are underway on charges of assaulting the police and damaging property.
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