Protests in Georgia have reached a new level of intensity as professionals from various sectors and a broad spectrum of society demand fair elections, the release of unlawfully detained individuals, and an end to the government’s anti-European Union actions.
On December 20, major demonstrations took place across Tbilisi, beginning in the morning with marches from key groups. IT and tech professionals organized a march from Republic Square to the Public Service Hall before joining the main rally near the Parliament building later in the evening. At the same time, activists gathered outside Gldani Prison, demanding the release of detained protesters, including opposition leader Zviad Tsetskhladze, who was sentenced to pre-trial detention.
International Relations students also joined the movement, marching from Marjanishvili Metro toward Rustaveli Avenue, emphasizing Georgia’s inevitable path toward European integration and protesting the government’s anti-EU policies.
Lawyers, meanwhile, convened outside the High Council of Justice to express their frustration with judicial corruption. They called on judges to cease making decisions that undermine the legal framework and declared their solidarity with the broader demands for new elections and the release of detainees.
International responses have added weight to the protests. Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, issued a strong statement condemning the Georgian government’s crackdown on peaceful protests and announced discussions on suspending the visa-free regime for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Notably, the Dutch Parliament adopted a resolution proposing sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, describing him as “the most influential actor in Georgian politics” and accusing him of promoting Russian interference and anti-EU policies. The resolution also calls for lobbying the European Council and cooperating with like-minded countries such as Belgium and Luxembourg to impose individual sanctions.
These developments highlight not only the growing internal tensions in Georgia but also the increasing international scrutiny and response to the unfolding situation.