Georgia citizens, diplomats protest after incoming government halts talks on joining EU [Video]

Police and protesters brutally clashed in Georgia after the country’s ruling party suspended negotiations to join the European Union until 2028, with an opposition leader calling for renewed protests on Friday.

Police used water cannons, pepper spray and tear gas late Thursday to disperse protesters who took to the streets following the announcement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Georgian Dream claimed victory in last month’s parliamentary election that the opposition in the South Caucasus nation dismissed as fraudulent and that has been condemned by European officials. The election on Oct. 26 was widely seen as a referendum on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union and the ruling party had indicated to voters that …