BREAKING NEWS
Georgia Protesters Try to Storm Presidential Palace
Tbilisi, Georgia - Clashes erupted outside the presidential palace in Tbilisi on Sunday as anti-government protesters attempted to storm the building. Security forces used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse demonstrators.
Five people were arrested, including opera singer Paata Burchuladze, one of the protest organizers. The government said 21 police officers were injured during the clashes.
The protests took place on the same day as local elections, which the opposition largely boycotted following a government crackdown. Georgian Dream won majorities in every municipality, with over 80% of the vote.
According to eyewitnesses, protesters chanted slogans and demanded the resignation of President Salome Zourabichvili. The government has accused the opposition of inciting violence.
The crisis began after last year's election, which the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory in but the pro-European Union opposition says was stolen. Since then, the government has paused talks on joining the EU.
As tensions escalate, the international community is watching closely. The European Union and other international organizations have called for calm and restraint from all parties involved.
The situation remains volatile, with protesters vowing to continue their demands for electoral reform and government accountability.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Bbc reporting.*
