In Georgia, over 40 people were hospitalized after police used tear gas and water cannons against protesters in Tbilisi, following the government’s suspension of its EU membership bid.

Pro-Russia Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the crackdown and claimed the move was to avoid foreign interference.

The suspension came after the EU condemned Georgia’s recent elections as unfair, sparking criticism from the U.S. and EU over democratic backsliding, Fox News has reported.

Kobakhidze, whose Dream Party faces allegations of authoritarianism, dismissed international concerns, blaming foreign influence for unrest and pledging to revisit discussions with the next U.S. administration.

Written by B.C. Begley