Georgian protesters clash with police for a second night after EU talks are suspended

Associated Press

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Thousands of demonstrators protesting the Georgian government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union have clashed with police outside the parliament building for a second straight night. On Thursday night, police used water cannons, pepper spray and tear gas to disperse protesters who took to the streets after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement. The interior ministry said it detained 43 people during the protests. On Friday evening, protesters again swarmed the parliament building and some tried to break metal gates to the building. Police fought back with water cannons. The violence follows Georgian Dream’s disputed victory in the Oct. 26 election, which was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union.