Over 140 Georgian Policemen Injured in Ongoing Anti-Government Protests

Photo: EPA-EFE

At least 143 police officers have sustained serious injuries in clashes with protesters during anti-government rallies outside the Georgian parliament since November 28, according to Deputy Interior Minister Alexander Darakhvelidze.

"As a result of violent and aggressive actions, 143 employees of the Interior Ministry were seriously injured," he said at a news conference, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

A new wave of rallies in Georgia started on November 28. Protests take place every day in front of the parliament, last through the night and end up being dispersed by riot police.

They were sparked by a statement from Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who said the ruling Georgian Dream — Democratic Georgia party had decided to put on ice any EU accession talks until the end of 2028 and turn down any funding from the bloc. According to the official, the decision was prompted by regular EU blackmail in relation to the talks, along with calls to rescind some recent laws and sanction Georgian officials.