**Massive Protests in Georgia Against Russian Influence**
Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili has spoken out against the current situation in the country. She said that a massive national protest is taking place against the usurpation of power and attempts to push Georgia towards Russia.
The protests are not just about police violence, but also about systemic violence against demonstrators and the Georgian population as a whole. Many people feel that they have been deprived of their vote in recent elections and are now struggling to hold onto their institutions.
**Protests Spread Across the Country**
For the first time in Georgia’s history, protests are taking place not just in the capital city Tbilisi, but also in other major cities across the country. Even civil servants are joining in, with some signing public protest statements or leaving their positions, including diplomats working in European Union embassies.
**President’s Message**
“This is a massive national protest against the usurpation of power and attempts to push Georgia towards Russia,” President Zurabishvili said. “The Russian system is gaining a foothold in Georgia, and this is what the Georgian population is protesting en masse.”