Protester shoots ‘fireworks gun’ at riot police during pro-EU protests in Georgia

Protesters used fireworks against riot police in Tbilisi, Georgia, late on Saturday (30 November), during a third night of demonstrations against the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union.

The ruling Georgian Dream party’s disputed victory in the October parliamentary election, widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the EU, prompted backlash and led to an opposition boycott of the parliament.

Opposition politicians said that the vote was rigged with the help of Russia with Moscow hoping to keep Tbilisi in its orbit.

Police dispersed the rally in front of the Parliament building using tear gas, but some protesters resumed demonstrating in nearby streets.

Footage showed a protester using fireworks against riot police.