Police clashed with protesters in the Georgian capital Tbilisi early on Friday, after the country’s ruling party said the government would suspend talks on European Union accession until 2028.

Axar.az reports that referring to Georgian media, a clash occurred between police and protesters on Chichinadze Street, near the rear entrance of the Georgian Parliament.

Police fired water cannon, deployed pepper spray and teargas and threw several smoke grenades at crowd to disperse protesters as masked people tried to smash their way into the parliament. Some protesters tossed fireworks at police while shouting “Russians” and “Slaves!”

The country’s interior ministry said three police officers were injured, two of whom were hospitalised.

“We once again call on the participants of the rally to refrain from violent actions and to hold the protest in accordance with the laws and established norms,” the statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs read.

It is worth noting that today, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced that the country has suspended its EU membership talks until 2028 and refused European grants.

Following this news, Zurabishvili held an urgent meeting with the EU's diplomatic representatives in Georgia. Meanwhile, the opposition began a protest in front of the headquarters of the Georgian Dream party and the Parliament building.