Police Fire Tear Gas at Tens of Thousands Protesting Georgia Elections

Georgia: Police Fire Tear Gas at Anti-Government Protesters Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tbilisi's Freedom Square on Saturday, heeding the opposition's call to protest local elections. However, police responded with force, firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. Timeline and Details The protests began as polls closed in municipal elections, with some opposition figures calling for a "peaceful revolution" against the ruling Georgian Dream Party. Armored riot police drove protesters who tried to enter the presidential palace grounds. The party claimed victory after polls closed at 1600 GMT, stating it had won elections in all municipalities without exception. Immediate Impact and Response The use of tear gas by police has sparked concerns about the handling of protests. Opposition leaders have condemned the actions as an attempt to suppress dissent. Meanwhile, Georgian Dream officials maintain that their party's victory is a testament to its popularity among voters. Background Context Georgia's pro-Western opposition has been staging protests since last year's parliamentary vote, which critics deemed fraudulent. The ruling Georgian Dream Party is seen as pro-Russia and has faced growing discontent from the opposition and some sections of society. What Happens Next Official results are expected in the evening, but tensions remain high. The opposition has vowed to continue protesting until their demands for electoral reform are met. As the situation unfolds, international observers will be watching closely to ensure that democratic principles are upheld. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Dw reporting.*