TBILISI – Georgia’s ruling party announced victory in every municipality across the country in a local election, which was dismissed by the two main opposition groups as illegitimate.

On Saturday, thousands gathered in Tbilisi to protest against the government’s prolonged suppression of dissent and what they perceive as Georgia’s gradual alignment with Moscow.

Riot police employed water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters from the presidential palace after they breached the gates and attempted to enter.

Five activists, including the renowned opera singer Paata Burchuladze, were detained after the demonstration. Georgia’s Interior Ministry reported they were charged with advocating for the violent overthrow of the government and “organizing, leading, and participating in group violence.”

Georgia has experienced protests and political turmoil since Georgian Dream paused EU membership discussions last November, despite many Georgians favoring EU integration, which is part of the nation’s constitution. The decision led to a wave of protests, resulting in mass arrests and police violence, following the party’s declared victory in a parliamentary election that the opposition alleged was fraudulent.

On Saturday, Georgians cast their votes to elect mayors in four major cities, including Tbilisi, along with leaders of over 50 other municipalities and municipal council members. Georgian Dream and 17 other parties presented candidates, while eight parties, including the primary opposition groups, chose to boycott the election.

The rallies, big and small, have continued despite a multipronged crackdown by the government through laws that target demonstrators, rights groups, nongovernmental organizations and independent media. Critics say some have been modeled on legislation passed in Russia, where President Vladimir Putin has harshly stifled dissent.