Foreigners, Jews, Muslims, Catholics & more At Tbilisi Protests

The streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, remain filled with activity as protests continue into their tenth consecutive night. Sparked by the Prime Minister’s decision to delay EU accession talks until 2028, the demonstrations have drawn a diverse crowd and highlighted both grievances and hopes for the country’s future. Among the voices at the protests was Gerardo, a Jewish man from Argentina, whose perspective offered an insightful look at the unrest from an international lens.
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Allegations of Police Brutality

A key focus of the night’s protests was the alleged police brutality reported during earlier demonstrations. Protesters held photos of individuals who they claim were injured during clashes with law enforcement over the past nine days.

“These people were hurt standing up for their vision of Georgia’s future in Europe,” said one demonstrator, gesturing to the photos. Accusations against the police include the use of pepper spray and excessive force.

Authorities, however, have maintained that their actions were necessary to preserve public safety amid escalating tensions. Officials have pointed to instances of pyrotechnics being fired at law enforcement and attempts to breach security perimeters, emphasizing their responsibility to prevent violence from spiraling further.

The government has called for investigations into these incidents, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability. While acknowledging the frustrations of the protesters, they stress the need for order and dialogue as the country navigates this critical moment.

Religious Leaders Promote Peace

Adding a significant and symbolic dimension to the night, representatives from various religious communities—including Jewish, Muslim, Orthodox Christian, and Catholic leaders—joined the scene to express solidarity. Their presence underscored Georgia’s long-standing history of religious tolerance and unity in times of division.

These faith leaders offered a message of peace, calling for calm and a focus on shared values. Their participation resonated with many in the crowd, serving as a reminder of Georgia’s cultural cohesion despite its current challenges.

Gerardo: A Foreign Perspective

Among the demonstrators, I met Gerardo, a Jewish man from Argentina who has been in Tbilisi for two weeks. His observations provided a thoughtful and international perspective on the protests.

“It feels like they’re trying to create a second Ukraine here,” Gerardo said, referring to fears that external forces might be fueling tensions to draw Georgia into conflict with Russia. He expressed concern about the protests being co-opted by outside actors, suggesting that the situation could escalate into a geopolitical crisis if not managed carefully.

Gerardo also highlighted the divisive rhetoric he had encountered. “Mostly, I hear messages of hate and destruction,” he noted, explaining that while the protesters claim to fight for democracy, some factions within the movement seemed more focused on bringing down the government than proposing constructive solutions.

One of Gerardo’s most striking observations was the presence of extremist symbols, such as swastikas and white nationalist slogans, which he saw in parts of the city. “Georgia has always been tolerant toward Jews,” he said, referencing the country’s historical reputation for religious coexistence. “But seeing these symbols is alarming. It’s a sign that things might be shifting in a dangerous direction.”

Gerardo also noticed the prevalence of foreign languages among the protesters, including English and German. “I’ve heard a lot of foreign voices,” he said. “It raises questions about who is really behind some of this. It’s hard to tell if it’s purely local or if there are international influences at play.”

He did point out that he believed these protesters were mainly very young people that represent a small portion of the population and have a message of HATE.

Despite his concerns, Gerardo praised the Georgian people for their resilience and dedication to their country. “This is a great country with amazing people,” he remarked. “I just hope they can find a way forward that avoids unnecessary conflict.”
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1. **Introduction to Tbilisi Protests** – 0:00
2. **Two Groups Converge Together** – 0:10
3. **Photos of Alleged Injuries** – 0:50
4. **Police Actions and Responses** – 1:20
5. **Religious Leaders Show Solidarity** – 2:30
6. **Gerardo's Foreign Perspective Shared** – 4:00
7. **Concerns Over Extremist Symbols** – 5:20
8. **Government's Call for Dialogue** – 6:45
9. **Protests’ Broader Social Context** – 8:00
10. **Closing Remarks and Updates** – 10:00

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