Foreigners account for 30% of those detained during protests in the capital of Georgia, Tbilisi, after the government froze the process of Eurointegration. This was announced by the executive secretary of the ruling party «Georgian Dream» Mamuka Mdinaradze on December 3, reported «Echo of the Caucasus».
The recent protests in Tbilisi have sparked international attention as thousands of people took to the streets to express their frustration with the government’s decision to halt the country’s progress towards joining the European Union. The demonstrations, which began on November 14, have been largely peaceful but have also seen moments of tension and clashes between protesters and police.
According to Mdinaradze, out of the 1,000 people detained during the protests, 30% were foreigners. He also claimed that some of these foreigners had entered the country with the intention of causing unrest and destabilizing the situation in Georgia. This statement has caused controversy and raised questions about the role of foreigners in the ongoing protests.
The ruling party has accused opposition groups of using foreign agents to manipulate the protests and create chaos in the country. However, the opposition has denied these claims and accused the government of using this as an excuse to crack down on dissent.
The protests were triggered by the government’s decision to postpone the signing of an agreement with the European Union for political and economic integration. This move was seen by many as a step back from the country’s pro-Western stance and a surrender to pressure from Russia, which has been opposed to Georgia’s Eurointegration efforts.
The protests, which have been ongoing for almost three weeks, have seen a diverse group of people taking part, including students, activists, and ordinary citizens. The majority of the protesters are demanding the resignation of the government and early elections, while others are calling for the continuation of the country’s Eurointegration process.
The involvement of foreigners in the protests has raised concerns and sparked debates among the Georgian public. Some view it as a positive sign of international support for the country’s pro-Western aspirations, while others see it as a threat to the country’s sovereignty and stability.
The ruling party’s statement about the high number of foreigners among the detained has also been met with criticism. Many have questioned the accuracy of these claims and the government’s motives for making them. Some believe that the government is trying to discredit the protests and shift the blame onto external forces.
Despite the controversies surrounding the involvement of foreigners in the protests, one thing is clear – the people of Georgia are determined to fight for their rights and their country’s future. The demonstrations have shown the strength and unity of the Georgian people, who are willing to stand up against injustice and fight for their democratic values.
The international community has also been closely following the developments in Georgia and has expressed support for the peaceful protests. The European Union has called on the government to listen to the voices of its citizens and respect their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
In conclusion, the ongoing protests in Tbilisi have brought attention to the issue of foreign involvement and its impact on the country’s political situation. While the exact number and role of foreigners in the protests remain a topic of debate, one thing is certain – the people of Georgia are determined to continue their fight for a better future and closer integration with the European Union. The international community must stand with them and support their democratic aspirations.
