**Pro-EU Protests in Tbilisi Turn Violent**
Police used force to disperse pro-EU protesters in Tbilisi on December 2, marking the fourth day of demonstrations. The protests began last week after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced a suspension of Georgia’s EU accession process until 2028.
**220 People Detained, Journalists and Opposition Leaders Targeted**
Over 220 people were detained by police over the past few days, including several journalists and Zurab Japaridze, a leader of the opposition Coalition for Change. He was detained on December 2 but released later that day. The Interior Ministry reported the detentions.
**Clashes Continue, Dozens Injured**
Tens of thousands have joined the demonstrations, with police using teargas, water cannons, and arrests to disperse the crowd. In turn, protesters have set up barricades and shot fireworks at riot police. Dozens have been injured, including journalists covering the rally.
**President Criticizes Government Response**
Pro-EU President Salome Zourabichvili criticized the government’s response, saying that many of those arrested had injuries to their heads and faces. Thirty-seven people were hospitalized on December 2, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
**Government Claims Police Injured**
The Georgian authorities claimed that 113 police officers have been injured since November 28, including 21 between December 1 and 2. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze thanked law enforcement for preventing a “Maidan” from taking place in Georgia, referencing the 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution in Ukraine.
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