Georgians demand 'free election' as fifth night of protests kicks off

Protesters took to the streets of Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, on Monday, demanding fair elections. The protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the government's handling of their demands, asserting their right to EU membership.

Nia Tkheidze, a teacher participating in the protests, stated, "We do deserve to be part of the EU and we will never give up until we get to whatever we want. We are the member of the European family. We should be the members of the European family. But we won't be tired unless… unless we got whatever we want. And that is the part… to be part of EU."

Tensions have been rising for months in the country of 3.7 million people between the ruling Georgian Dream party and opponents who accuse it of pursuing increasingly authoritarian, anti-Western and pro-Russian policies.

The crisis has deepened since November 28 announcement that the government would freeze EU talks for four years, with thousands of pro-EU demonstrators facing off against police armed with tear gas and water cannon.

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