Protests in the capital Tbilisi against Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's decision to suspend the country's EU membership negotiations until 2028 have entered their eleventh day as tensions continue to rise.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered again tonight outside the Parliament to condemn the Government's decision. Protesters were seen banging the doors of the Parliament and shooting pyrotechnics at the police stationed in the area.

Demonstrators hung pictures of journalists, politicians and demonstrators injured during demonstrations in Tbilisi on the steel trunk of the Christmas tree erected by the capital as part of the New Year celebrations.

Authorities deployed tight security around parliament as police and riot police worked to contain the crowds. The demonstrations were also joined by representatives of different religious communities, who marched as a sign of solidarity and called for unity against the government's decision.

Demonstrators argue that the halt to EU membership talks could damage Georgia's future and demand an immediate reversal of the decision. /AA