'Round the X-mas Tree: Protesters Gather in Tbilisi

Newsgeorgia channel reports that protesters again gathered in Tbilisi, Orda reports. 

But this time, they did so against the backdrop of a New Year's tree by the mayor's office.

Photos of those detained and injured in clashes with law enforcement were hung on it the previous morning.

Later, Georgian, Ukrainian, US, and European Union flags appeared on the tree.

Protests erupted in Georgia after Prime Minister Kobakhidze announced the suspension of integration talks with the European Union.

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs says the number of protesters held criminally liable has reached 30.

More than 30 people were brought to justice. Also, administrative proceedings were initiated against 372 people, of whom 62 were given administrative detention, and more than 100 people were fined, said Deputy Head, Alexander Darakhvelidze.

Local media report that force by law enforcement seems to have lessened, but groups of unknown individuals in black masks have reportedly assaulted protesters. Some have also received threatening calls.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze condemned the attack on the TV Pirveli film crew in central Tbilisi, claiming it was a “provocation” aimed at escalation. 

However, witnesses say law enforcement did not react to the attack.

Opposition representatives believe the Georgian Dream is behind the attacks, but it denies the accusations.

The previous night was relatively calm, without incident.

An effigy of Zviad Kharazishvili, head of the special forces, was burned at the rally.

Original Author: Author