Dozens are hospitalized after massive protests broke out across Georgia following the pro-Putin government's move halting decadeslong talks on joining the EU amid increasing ties with Russia.

The ancient streets of Georgia's capital city were again choked with smoke on Sunday night, as anti-government protests continued into a fourth consecutive night.

Georgia, which has been criticized for using "excessive force" to crack down on anti-government protests, has become increasingly authoritarian, according to Western governments.

Protesters rallied in Georgia’s capital for a fourth straight night on Sunday and there were signs that opposition was spreading across the country to the government’s decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union.

Police and protesters have clashed in Georgia after the country’s ruling party suspended negotiations to join the European Union until 2028.

Georgia's president said Monday that mass pro-EU protests involving tens of thousands of people showed no sign of stopping after police fired water cannon and tear gas on a fourth night of demonstrations.

After days of demonstrations and public resignations, Georgia's prime minister rejects a call for new elections.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the parliament, throwing stones and setting off fireworks, while police deployed water cannons and tear gas.

A third night of protests in the Georgian capital against the government’s decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union has left 44 people hospitalized