Fresh protests across Georgia after PM vows to 'eradicate' opposition

TBILISI - Thousands rallied across Georgia on Dec 5 for a second week of pro-European Union (EU) protests, after the Prime Minister threatened to "eradicate" the country's "liberal fascist" opposition.

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Tbilisi has been rocked by turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party, which critics accuse of creeping authoritarianism and leading the country back towards Russia, claimed victory in a disputed election in October.

The government said on Nov 28 that it would suspend EU membership talks until 2028, sparking a fresh wave of demonstrations that have been met with a heavy-handed response from the authorities.

Several thousand people gathered outside Parliament on Dec 5 for the eighth consecutive night of protests.

Some held signs reading "your repression will finish you", in a reference to the government's heavy-handed response to the demonstrations, an AFP reporter witnessed.

"This government has to change as they just don't care about us, about future generations," said Mano, a 23-year-old who declined to give her full name.

As on previous nights, some demonstrators banged on the metal barriers blocking the Parliament's entrance, waved EU flags and blew horns and whistles.

But turnout was initially lower than in the previous days.

Ms Nini Tchurghulia, 19, a history student wrapped in a Georgian flag, said she was worried that the movement might be losing steam but was nevertheless determined to continue protesting.

"We will win in the end," she said.

Protests were also held in other cities including Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi, local media reported.