Summary

  • People have gathered in the streets of Tbilisi for the fourth night of protests after the country's EU bid was suspended

  • Some protesters are shooting fireworks towards police on the steps of parliament

  • In response, police are firing water cannon at protesters, and some demonstrators have been seen shielding themselves with umbrellas

  • Georgians have been protesting this week to vent anger at the ruling party's decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union

  • Georgia's prime minister is rejecting calls for new elections and is accusing protesters of falling victim to opposition lies

  • The country's pro-Western president, who is due to step down in a matter of weeks, has told the BBC she plans to stay on in the role

Live Reporting

Edited by Jenna Moon in London, with Paul Kirby and Steve Rosenberg reporting from Tbilisi

  1. Georgia's PM denies suspending accession talks with EU

    Steve Rosenberg
    BBC Russia editor

    Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze speaks during a press conference in TbilisiReuters

    Three days ago Georgia’s Prime Minister announced he was suspending accession talks with the European Union until the end of 2028.

    In a country where the aspiration of EU membership is enshrined in the constitution, his announcement sparked the large street protests we’re seeing now.

    But when I asked Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze if he could understand the public anger, his response was he never said that.

    He’s on camera, though, having said it. And the European Union heard him say it.

    In a statement today the EU noted that Kobakhidze’s announcement marked a shift from the policies of previous Georgian governments and the European aspirations of the vast majority of the Georgian people. It strongly condemned the violence against peaceful protestors and democratic backsliding in Georgia.

    In recent days in the centre of Tbilisi, police have been using water cannon and tear gas to disperse large crowds. Some protestors have been beaten. Georgia’s prime minister promised such cases would be investigated – but he accused Georgian opposition groups of committing violence.

  2. Georgia's president vows to stay in role until new elections held

    Watch: Georgia's pro-EU president speaks to the BBC's Steve Rosenberg

    Earlier, Georgia's Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, stated that the country's president must leave office at the end of her term this month.

    However, President Salome Zourabichvili, a strong supporter of Georgia's EU membership, said she will remain in office.

    In an interview with the BBC, Zourabichvili described the current parliament as "illegitimate" following allegations of fraud in last month's elections.

    She said she will stay until new parliamentary elections are held.

    "I'm offering this stability for the transition, because what these people on the streets are demanding is a call for new elections in order to restore this country and its European path," said Zourabichvili.

  3. Riot police have used tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters in recent nights

    Fireworks can be seen just a little above the heads of scores of riot policeReuters

    Riot police in Tblisi yesterday

    Mass protests in Tbilisi have been ongoing for a number of evenings already this week, and police are using heavy measures to try and disperse them.

    Yesterday, we saw images of protesters setting off fireworks, while the prime minister previously said that "Molotov cocktails, pyrotechnics, glass, stones" have all been launched at police.

    Riot police have been using tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons as dispersal tactics.

    Our Europe digital editor reports this evening that scores of police officers stand ready in the streets surrounding parliament to step in if needed.

  4. 'I'll keep protesting until the new year'

    Paul Kirby
    Europe digital editor, reporting from Tbilisi

    A large number of protesters gather in Tblisi

    “I’ve come to protest 11 times and I’ll keep coming until the new year,” one man called Nika said a short distance from Georgia’s parliament building.

    The main Rustaveli Avenue going past parliament is a sea of protesters tonight, the fourth big night of demonstrations since the prime minister said the government had taken joining the EU off its agenda for the next four years.

    Last night, opposition parties say almost 200,000 turned out here, and the number tonight isn’t that big so far.

    Amid the constant whistles, the hooting of vuvuzelas and the occasional firework, there is little sign of riot police so far.

    But in the side streets leading to parliament there are lines of police several deep, preparing for a long night ahead.

  5. Mass protests in Georgia enters fourth night

    Fireworks burst brightly as they are launched towards a line of policemen on the street.EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

    Protesters in Tbilisi, Georgia, launched fireworks at police during yesterday's demonstration

    Welcome to our live coverage of the fourth night of protest in Georgia.

    An announcement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobkhazidze that parliament will suspend talks about joining the European Union have spurred days demonstrations. The prime minister now denies making those comments.

    Thousands of protesters are expected to take to the streets of Tbilisi and other Georgian cities again tonight, continuing demonstrations that began on Thursday.

    In recent days, police have used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets to break up the protests. At least 150 people have been detained.

    Meanwhile, Georgia's prime minister said that 50 police officers were injured by "violent protesters who threw Molotov cocktails, pyrotechnics, glass, stones at the police."

    We’ll be closely following protests happening tonight and will bring you the latest updates.