Photo: Levan Zazadze
Since November 28, 2024, Georgians have taken to the streets every single day to defend their European future. This exhibition documents their fight through the lenses of those who never looked away.
View the ExhibitionA selection from Levan Zazadze’s documentary work on Georgia’s daily protests: faces in the crowd, nights on Rustaveli, confrontation, collective resolve, and the European flag as a symbol of the movement’s aim.
All photographs by Levan Zazadze
Free elections. Release of political prisoners. The restoration of Georgia's European path.
On October 26, 2024, Georgia held parliamentary elections that international observers described as fundamentally flawed. The ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili who made his fortune in Russia, claimed victory despite widespread reports of vote-buying, double-voting, and voter intimidation documented by the OSCE and Transparency International Georgia.
On November 28, 2024, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of Georgia’s EU accession process until 2028. This decision contradicted the will of approximately 80% of Georgians who support European integration, a goal enshrined in the Georgian constitution. Within hours, tens of thousands flooded Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi, beginning what would become the longest continuous protest in Georgian history.
The government responded with force. Police deployed tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons against largely peaceful demonstrators. Plainclothes operatives known as titushky attacked protesters and journalists. According to Human Rights Watch, by late 2025 authorities had sanctioned over 4,400 people for petty hooliganism and more than 6,700 for disobeying police orders. At least 35 protesters received lengthy prison sentences. Fines for protest-related offenses were increased tenfold to 5,000 Georgian lari — roughly twice the average monthly income.
The Georgian Dream government froze the bank accounts of leading human rights organizations including Human Rights House Tbilisi and the Shame Movement. The controversial Foreign Agents Law, modeled on Russian legislation, forced NGOs and media receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association was forced into crisis mode, cutting free legal aid. Independent media outlets faced broadcast complaints for using terms like “illegitimate government” in their reporting.
Opposition leaders including former Defence Minister Irakli Okruashvili, Girchi party leader Zurab Japaridze, and Ahali party leader Nika Melia were arrested for refusing to appear before a ruling party parliamentary commission. Opera singer Paata Burchuladze was charged after reading a pro-democracy declaration to 20,000 people. Journalist Mzia Amaglobeli became the first female journalist imprisoned in Georgian history. By late 2025, Georgia held more political prisoners per capita than Russia.
The European Parliament declared the October 2024 elections illegitimate. The EU suspended visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders. The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly called for new elections and the release of political prisoners. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and numerous international bodies condemned the crackdown as an assault on fundamental rights. Despite this, Georgian Dream has continued to consolidate power, passing increasingly repressive legislation.
As of April 2026, Georgians have protested for over 500 consecutive days. The movement includes students, civil activists, artists, doctors, teachers, and opposition politicians. Protests have spread beyond Tbilisi to eight cities across the country. Demonstrators continue to demand three things: free and fair elections under international supervision, the release of all political prisoners, and the restoration of Georgia’s European integration path.
This exhibition travels across Europe. Host it in your city. Share it with your representatives. Make Georgia’s fight visible.
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