Georgia protesters try to storm Tbilisi presidential palace

Violent clashes erupted in Georgia as protesters attempted to storm the Tbilisi presidential palace following the ruling party's contested victory in last year's parliamentary election. Security forces used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the demonstrators who marched with Georgian and EU flags demanding the arrest of Georgian Dream party leaders. The protest, held on the same day as local elections largely boycotted by the opposition, aimed to save democracy in Georgia amidst a crackdown on activists and political dissent. Many demonstrators dressed in black with helmets and gas masks to evade identification amid AI surveillance cameras, calling for a return to peace and freedom in the country.