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.

“The use of water cannon, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets aimed at protesters’ faces at close range - as well as the chasing and incessant beating of peaceful demonstrators - shows the Government’s determination to suppress dissent through the unlawful use of force by the police.

Protesters clashed with police in Georgia's capital of Tbilisi on Thursday after the government suspended talks on its bid to join the European Union for four years.

In downtown Tbilisi on Thursday evening, clashes erupted during a protest against the government's decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028, local media reported. Among the protesters was the country's president,

Police used water cannons on Chichinadze Street, near the parliament building. Before the dispersal, clashes erupted between law enforcement officers and demonstrators. Read also: EU and Josep Borrell urge Georgia to investigate and address election violations Reports indicated that police used pepper spray,