Georgia's prime minister had vowed to punish those participating in the anti-government protests that have engulfed the capital Tbilisi. On Wednesday, it seems, the crackdown began.

Georgian law enforcement officers have detained several participants in anti-government protests in Tbilisi following the government's decision to suspend Georgia's European integration until late 2028.

If brutish local police were Georgia’s only threat, pro-European protesters might be on solid ground. Speaking to your columnist from Tbilisi, demonstrators described a city in a febrile, daring mood since the ruling Georgian Dream party,

Georgia is facing a fifth day of unrest after the government's decision to suspend the country's efforts to join the European Union sparked mass resignations and, for the first time, nationwide demonstrations.