Georgia has suspended its bid to join the European Union, prompting thousands of protesters to take to the streets, where they clashed with police in the capital of Tbilisi.

Georgian riot police on Friday deployed tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators protesting a government decision to delay pursuing European Union accession.Thousands rallied in the capital of Tbilisi and cities across Georgia after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the decision amid a post-election crisis that saw the country’s president challenge the legitimacy of the newly-elected parliament and government.

Georgian police used force against journalists during a crackdown on a rally in Tbilisi on the night of 28-29 November, leaving 15 media representatives injured. Source: European Pravda, citing information from Georgian media Details: Special forces cracked down on a protest against the government's sharp anti-Western turnaround.