The protests ran from November 2024 to November 2025 after disputed October 2024 elections and a government decision to suspend the EU integration process. Thousands of people gathered daily on Rustaveli Avenue, a central street about 1.5 kilometres from Freedom Square, to defend European aspirations and oppose the ruling Georgian Dream party.
In November 2024 confrontations escalated when police used water cannons, tear gas and pepper spray. Protesters responded with fireworks and nightly clashes. Dozens of media workers were injured; one journalist suffered life‑threatening wounds. In early December over 450 people were detained in the first two weeks, and civil society groups reported brutality by security forces.
Through 2025 both sides adapted. Protesters used protective gear, disabled tear gas canisters and staged thematic marches. Authorities banned fireworks, face masks and lasers, raised fines for road‑blocking and criminalised blocking major exits. The government also restricted foreign grants and political donations and carried out raids on organisers’ homes. Courts handed prison sentences and fines to many protesters, and some accused were later cleared of serious drug charges. By the one‑year anniversary crowds were smaller but hundreds, sometimes thousands, still protested daily.
Difficult words
- dispute — to say that something is not agreed or fairdisputed
- suspend — to stop something for a time
- aspiration — a strong hope or goal for the futureaspirations
- confrontation — angry or violent meetings between groupsconfrontations
- detain — to keep someone in official custodydetained
- brutality — use of extreme physical force that hurts people
- criminalise — to make an action illegal by lawcriminalised
- raid — sudden searches or attacks by police or soldiersraids
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think these daily protests could change the government's decision about EU integration? Why?
- How might bans on fireworks, face masks and lasers affect both protesters and police?
- What actions could protesters use to protect people during confrontations while staying peaceful?
Related articles
Belarus opens legal case against comedian Vyacheslav Komissarenko
The Investigative Committee of Belarus has opened special proceedings against comedian Vyacheslav Komissarenko for defamation and insult of President Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Komissarenko lives abroad and has faced visa refusals before obtaining a U.S. talent visa.
Media Coverage of the Vidovdan Protests in Belgrade
An analysis by Nataša Stanojević, published by ISAC and republished by Global Voices, examines media and political reactions to the large June 28 Vidovdan protests in Belgrade and highlights arrests, media framing, and risks to democracy.
How romantic films shape relationship expectations
Virginia Tech experts say romantic movies—from childhood fairy tales to Hallmark-style films—can shape what people expect from real relationships. They warn these films often show idealised love and may omit real-life difficulties and diversity.