The former Democrat President of the United States <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/barack-obama">Barack Obama</a>&nbsp;took to Twitter to congratulate his former Vice President and the new President-elect&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and Kamala Harris for the historic win in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election 2020</a>&nbsp;against&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;and Mike Pence.

Barack Obama said "I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden," his Twitter note read.

He also congratulated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-told-her-yesterday-she-will-win-kamala-harris-uncle-talks-to-wion-341484">Kamala Harris who has become the first woman and Indian-origin and Black Vice President-elect in the history of the US politics.</a> "I also couldn't be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala's groundbreaking election as our next Vice President," he congratulated.

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Congratulations to my friends, <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a> — our next President and Vice President of the United States. <a href="https://t.co/febgqxUi1y">pic.twitter.com/febgqxUi1y</a>
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1325136780396437507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Obama has always showed confidence in his former Vice President, and carrying on the same spirit, he said, "I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-results-we-did-it-joe-you-are-going-to-be-next-president-says-kamala-harris-as-video-goes-viral-341483">Also read|&nbsp;We did it, Joe, you are going to be next president, says Kamala Harris as video goes viral</a>

He also assured the Americans that while Biden will be facing "a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has", he is sure Joe Biden has "got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way."

Bill CLinton, another former VPresident, too, congratulated Joe Biden and said, "America has spoken and democracy has won."

Meanwhile, the 39th President of the United States Jimmy Carter congratulated the whole Democrat Party and said he is proud of the "well-run campaign and seeing the positive change they bring to our nation."

The former Democrat President of the United States Barack Obama took to Twitter to congratulate his former Vice President and the new President-elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the historic win in the US election 2020 against Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

The former Democrat President of the United States Barack Obama took to Twitter to congratulate his former Vice President and the new President-elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for the historic win in the US election 2020 against Donald Trump and Mike Pence. Barack Obama said "I could not be prouder to congratulate our next President, Joe Biden, and our next First Lady, Jill Biden," his Twitter note read. He also congratulated Kamala Harris who has become the first woman and Indian-origin and Black Vice President-elect in the history of the US politics. "I also couldn't be prouder to congratulate Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff for Kamala's groundbreaking election as our next Vice President," he congratulated. Congratulations to my friends, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris — our next President and Vice President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/febgqxUi1y — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 7, 2020 × Obama has always showed confidence in his former Vice President, and carrying on the same spirit, he said, "I know he’ll do the job with the best interests of every American at heart, whether or not he had their vote." Also read| We did it, Joe, you are going to be next president, says Kamala Harris as video goes viral He also assured the Americans that while Biden will be facing "a series of extraordinary challenges no incoming President ever has", he is sure Joe Biden has "got what it takes to be President and already carries himself that way." Bill CLinton, another former VPresident, too, congratulated Joe Biden and said, "America has spoken and democracy has won." Meanwhile, the 39th President of the United States Jimmy Carter congratulated the whole Democrat Party and said he is proud of the "well-run campaign and seeing the positive change they bring to our nation."

'Could not be prouder': Former President Barack Obama congratulates President-elect Joe Biden

After opposition accused the ruling party of rigging tightly contested parliamentary elections thousands of opposition supporters rallied on streets of Georgia, an ex-Soviet country. The protesters gathered outside parliament in Georgian capital Tbilisi. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire ex-PM who leads ruling Georgian Dream party has denied accusations of electoral fraud. The party has won the elections with a margin of two per cent.

All of Georgia's opposition parties have refused to enter the new parliament sparking fears of another political crisis in the Black Sea nation where elections are often followed by accusations of fraud and mass demonstrations.

In an unprecedented show of unity before the vote, the country's main opposition force, exiled former president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM), agreed with smaller opposition groups to form a coalition government if elected.

"We demand the replacement of the totally discredited electoral administration and the holding of a fresh vote," one of the UNM's leaders, Salome Samadashvili, told AFP.

"This would allow for maintaining stability in the country," she said, adding that "Georgian Dream has failed to receive a democratic mandate to remain in power."

Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia of Georgian Dream has said the elections marked "another important milestone in Georgia's democratic development" and criticised the opposition for staging mass rallies amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Gakharia, who has tested positive for the virus, has been in self-isolation for a week and announced a nighttime curfew starting Monday. 
Georgia has seen a rapid daily increase in new virus cases after it lifted a lockdown in September aimed at containing the spread of the disease.&nbsp;

The electoral commission has yet to formalise early results that showed Georgian Dream had won 48 per cent of the proportional vote, against 46 per cent for opposition parties.

The proportional vote decides 120 of the 150 seats in the legislature.

With another 30 seats to be assigned in single-mandate constituencies requiring up to two rounds of voting, the final makeup of the new parliament may only become clear in late November.

(With AFP inputs)

After opposition accused the ruling party of rigging tightly contested parliamentary elections thousands of opposition supporters rallied on streets of Georgia, an ex-Soviet country.

After opposition accused the ruling party of rigging tightly contested parliamentary elections thousands of opposition supporters rallied on streets of Georgia, an ex-Soviet country. The protesters gathered outside parliament in Georgian capital Tbilisi. Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire ex-PM who leads ruling Georgian Dream party has denied accusations of electoral fraud. The party has won the elections with a margin of two per cent. All of Georgia's opposition parties have refused to enter the new parliament sparking fears of another political crisis in the Black Sea nation where elections are often followed by accusations of fraud and mass demonstrations. In an unprecedented show of unity before the vote, the country's main opposition force, exiled former president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM), agreed with smaller opposition groups to form a coalition government if elected. "We demand the replacement of the totally discredited electoral administration and the holding of a fresh vote," one of the UNM's leaders, Salome Samadashvili, told AFP. "This would allow for maintaining stability in the country," she said, adding that "Georgian Dream has failed to receive a democratic mandate to remain in power." Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia of Georgian Dream has said the elections marked "another important milestone in Georgia's democratic development" and criticised the opposition for staging mass rallies amid the coronavirus pandemic. Gakharia, who has tested positive for the virus, has been in self-isolation for a week and announced a nighttime curfew starting Monday. Georgia has seen a rapid daily increase in new virus cases after it lifted a lockdown in September aimed at containing the spread of the disease. The electoral commission has yet to formalise early results that showed Georgian Dream had won 48 per cent of the proportional vote, against 46 per cent for opposition parties. The proportional vote decides 120 of the 150 seats in the legislature. With another 30 seats to be assigned in single-mandate constituencies requiring up to two rounds of voting, the final makeup of the new parliament may only become clear in late November. (With AFP inputs)

Thousands march in ex-Soviet Georgia after allegations of electoral fraud

Honk and clap: President-elect Joe Biden holds drive-in victory celebrations

As President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has been staying awake at night trying to get the US courts to rule in his favour, his children have made it clear that they, too, think the Democratic candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;has committed a 'fraud'.

Donald Trump Jr., President's oldest son, has urged his father to wage "total war" to uncover the "fraud, cheating" being allegedly committed by Donald Trump's rival Joe Biden. "The best thing for America’s future is for&nbsp;@realDonaldTrump&nbsp;to go to total war over this election to expose all of the fraud, cheating, dead/no longer in state voters, that has been going on for far too long," he tweeted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-updates-biden-nears-victory-trump-claims-would-win-unless-democrats-steal-polls-340949">US election 2020 result LIVE updates: Biden nears victory, Trump claims would win unless Democrats 'steal' polls</a>

Just like his father's several tweets, Jr.'s tweet was also flagged by Twitter as "misleading about an election or other civic process."

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The best thing for America’s future is for <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> to go to total war over this election to expose all of the fraud, cheating, dead/no longer in state voters, that has been going on for far too long. 
 
It’s time to clean up this mess &amp; stop looking like a banana republic!
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1324473707121778688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also re-tweeted several videos of people claiming to have been duped of a fair election. Some of the Trump supporters claimed that when they went to cast their ballots at the polling station, they were told that someone had already cast vote on their name which made it impossible for them to vote. While there is no proof of these claims and allegations, Trump's sons believe these are true. "Losing fair and square is one thing but in the face of all of this video evidence, lack of transparency, boarding up of windows, fighting to prevent poll watching etc etc... for GOPers to not stand up now shows your true colors," Jr. tweeted. "Will make the 2024 primary process a lot easier."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-results-2020-trump-campaign-loses-legal-fights-in-georgia-and-michigan-340960">US Election results 2020: Trump campaign loses legal fights in Georgia and Michigan</a>

Donald Trump's younger son Eric Trump hinted towards some big announcement through a tweet that read, "Wait until you see what we are uncovering..."

Ivanka Trump, on the other hand, has been quieter than her brothers about these allegations. While she has assured people that her father&nbsp;will always go to the mat fighting for the hardworking men &amp; women of this great Country!", she has refrained from tweeting or retweeting any videos, pictures or claims about fraud allegations.

As President Donald Trump has been staying awake at night trying to get the US courts to rule in his favour, his children have made it clear that they, too, think the Democratic candidate Joe Biden has committed a 'fraud'.

As President Donald Trump has been staying awake at night trying to get the US courts to rule in his favour, his children have made it clear that they, too, think the Democratic candidate Joe Biden has committed a 'fraud'. Donald Trump Jr., President's oldest son, has urged his father to wage "total war" to uncover the "fraud, cheating" being allegedly committed by Donald Trump's rival Joe Biden. "The best thing for America’s future is for @realDonaldTrump to go to total war over this election to expose all of the fraud, cheating, dead/no longer in state voters, that has been going on for far too long," he tweeted. US election 2020 result LIVE updates: Biden nears victory, Trump claims would win unless Democrats 'steal' polls Just like his father's several tweets, Jr.'s tweet was also flagged by Twitter as "misleading about an election or other civic process." The best thing for America’s future is for @realDonaldTrump to go to total war over this election to expose all of the fraud, cheating, dead/no longer in state voters, that has been going on for far too long. It’s time to clean up this mess & stop looking like a banana republic! — Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) November 5, 2020 × He also re-tweeted several videos of people claiming to have been duped of a fair election. Some of the Trump supporters claimed that when they went to cast their ballots at the polling station, they were told that someone had already cast vote on their name which made it impossible for them to vote. While there is no proof of these claims and allegations, Trump's sons believe these are true. "Losing fair and square is one thing but in the face of all of this video evidence, lack of transparency, boarding up of windows, fighting to prevent poll watching etc etc... for GOPers to not stand up now shows your true colors," Jr. tweeted. "Will make the 2024 primary process a lot easier." US Election results 2020: Trump campaign loses legal fights in Georgia and Michigan Donald Trump's younger son Eric Trump hinted towards some big announcement through a tweet that read, "Wait until you see what we are uncovering..." Ivanka Trump, on the other hand, has been quieter than her brothers about these allegations. While she has assured people that her father will always go to the mat fighting for the hardworking men & women of this great Country!", she has refrained from tweeting or retweeting any videos, pictures or claims about fraud allegations.

Donald Trump's family wants 'total war' against Joe Biden

The Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg has slammed the US&nbsp;President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;for claiming that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election</a>&nbsp;results are rigged and&nbsp;his opponent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;is 'manipulating' the mail-in votes.

When Donald Trump took to Twitter to take out his frustration of trailing behind in the US election results, Thunberg retweeted Donald Trump's tweet of "STOP THE COUNT" with "Chill Donald, Chill!"

"So ridiculous. Donald must work on his Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Donald, Chill!," she tweeted.

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So ridiculous. Donald must work on his Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Donald, Chill! <a href="https://t.co/4RNVBqRYBA">https://t.co/4RNVBqRYBA</a>
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1324439705522524162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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These lines, quoted by Thunberg, were passed on to her as a comment by Trump in December 2019 when she had once urged world political leaders to act on climate change on an urgent basis. Trump had asked Thunberg to "chill"&nbsp;and go watch a movie with friends and spend time with them.

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So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill! <a href="https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE">https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1205100602025545730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The tweet by Donald Trump had attracted huge criticism from people. On the other hand, Thunberg's tweet attracted fits of laughter and memes.

While Joe Biden has not yet responded to Thunberg's tweet, Twitterati has already flooded the social media platform with memes. From 'mic drop' to 'savage' tweets, here are some of the interesting reactions from the Twitter users:

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<a href="https://t.co/g2atzePJsy">pic.twitter.com/g2atzePJsy</a>
— Jo Inglis (@jingles8384) <a href="https://twitter.com/jingles8384/status/1324439971185467392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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How it started: How it ended: <a href="https://t.co/S73dclwEBi">pic.twitter.com/S73dclwEBi</a>
— The Political Rants (@vinod_d007) <a href="https://twitter.com/vinod_d007/status/1324473722053533698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/70txnhAOnC">pic.twitter.com/70txnhAOnC</a>
— @kumark1🇩🇰 (@kumark1) <a href="https://twitter.com/kumark1/status/1324470593924796420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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🔥🔥🔥 🎤 <a href="https://t.co/GPgEQ2THxJ">pic.twitter.com/GPgEQ2THxJ</a>
— Trinity (@TrinityResists) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrinityResists/status/1324449174285266945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Karma hits back....this time Greta 🤣🤣 <a href="https://t.co/Tu0HesAOZA">pic.twitter.com/Tu0HesAOZA</a>
— Joyal Asir (Joel) (@JoyalAsir) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoyalAsir/status/1324558592771461120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://t.co/30crRPfZeO">pic.twitter.com/30crRPfZeO</a>
— Christian Mutter (@christianmutter) <a href="https://twitter.com/christianmutter/status/1324440091713019905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg has slammed the US President Donald Trump for claiming that the US election results are rigged and his opponent Joe Biden is 'manipulating' the mail-in votes.

The Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg has slammed the US President Donald Trump for claiming that the US election results are rigged and his opponent Joe Biden is 'manipulating' the mail-in votes. When Donald Trump took to Twitter to take out his frustration of trailing behind in the US election results, Thunberg retweeted Donald Trump's tweet of "STOP THE COUNT" with "Chill Donald, Chill!" "So ridiculous. Donald must work on his Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Donald, Chill!," she tweeted. So ridiculous. Donald must work on his Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Donald, Chill! https://t.co/4RNVBqRYBA — Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) November 5, 2020 × These lines, quoted by Thunberg, were passed on to her as a comment by Trump in December 2019 when she had once urged world political leaders to act on climate change on an urgent basis. Trump had asked Thunberg to "chill" and go watch a movie with friends and spend time with them. So ridiculous. Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill! https://t.co/M8ZtS8okzE — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2019 × The tweet by Donald Trump had attracted huge criticism from people. On the other hand, Thunberg's tweet attracted fits of laughter and memes. While Joe Biden has not yet responded to Thunberg's tweet, Twitterati has already flooded the social media platform with memes. From 'mic drop' to 'savage' tweets, here are some of the interesting reactions from the Twitter users: pic.twitter.com/g2atzePJsy — Jo Inglis (@jingles8384) November 5, 2020 × How it started: How it ended: pic.twitter.com/S73dclwEBi — The Political Rants (@vinod_d007) November 5, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/70txnhAOnC — @kumark1🇩🇰 (@kumark1) November 5, 2020 × 🔥🔥🔥 🎤 pic.twitter.com/GPgEQ2THxJ — Trinity (@TrinityResists) November 5, 2020 × Karma hits back....this time Greta 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/Tu0HesAOZA — Joyal Asir (Joel) (@JoyalAsir) November 6, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/30crRPfZeO — Christian Mutter (@christianmutter) November 5, 2020 ×

'Chill Donald, Chill!': Greta Thunberg slams Donald Trump for US Election results 2020; Twitter reacts

As the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election</a>&nbsp;results are drawing near,&nbsp;the&nbsp;current President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;is repeatedly accusing&nbsp;his opponent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;of manipulating the voting results, and has claimed that all votes being counted now fall under 'fraudulent activity'.

Donald Trump has alleged that all ballots being counted now are "magically appearing" and has, therefore, decided to file a lawsuit now in Nevada, after losing legal battles in&nbsp;Georgia and Michigan.&nbsp;

"You know, those ballots are going to magically show up just like they did right you saw that line on the curve up north in a 100 percent of votes. We went to sleep. I woke up two hours later after not sleeping for 3 days with this amazing a hundred thirty thousand about that one of them for Donald Trump," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-updates-biden-nears-victory-trump-claims-would-win-unless-democrats-steal-polls-340949">US election 2020 result LIVE updates: Biden nears victory, Trump claims would win unless Democrats 'steal' polls</a>

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STOP THE FRAUD!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1324401527663058944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump has been claiming that the elections are rigged since the night of elections when the mail-in ballots were being counted. He claims Joe Biden has rigged the elections. "If you count the legal votes, I easily win," he claimed. "They're trying to rig an election. And we can't let that happen." Interestingly, Trump started accusing Biden of rigging the elections only after Joe Biden started leading.

He has been urging the citizens to be aware and has asked his legal team to file lawsuits in all the states where Biden has shown lead after November 03 night. In the Georgia case, his&nbsp;campaign team accused 53 late-arriving ballots were mixed with the ballots that came on time. In Michigan, too, he tried to stop the votes from being counted. However, his team lost both the cases as both the judges from the states,&nbsp;Judge James Bass and&nbsp;Judge Cynthia Stephens, said there was no evidence or basis of these allegations.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-democrat-bernie-sanders-predict-trumps-election-fraud-claim-watch-this-viral-prediction-video-340724" hreflang="en">Did Bernie Sanders predict Trump's election fraud claim? Video goes viral</a>

Meanwhile, a judge has ordered twice daily sweeps at US Postal Service (USPS) facilities specifically in&nbsp;Nevada and North Carolina, where the votes are still being counted.&nbsp;

While Donald Trump is trying his best to get the judges to rule in his favour, Joe Biden has accepted his win and is urging people to "keep the faith, folks". Biden has been actively posting on his official Twitter account urging people to stay calm and trust the system. "No one is going to take our democracy away from us. Not now, not ever," he tweeted. "America has come too far, fought too many battles, and endured too much to let that happen."

As the US election results are drawing near, the current President Donald Trump is repeatedly accusing his opponent Joe Biden of manipulating the voting results, and has claimed that all votes being counted now fall under 'fraudulent activity'.

As the US election results are drawing near, the current President Donald Trump is repeatedly accusing his opponent Joe Biden of manipulating the voting results, and has claimed that all votes being counted now fall under 'fraudulent activity'. Donald Trump has alleged that all ballots being counted now are "magically appearing" and has, therefore, decided to file a lawsuit now in Nevada, after losing legal battles in Georgia and Michigan. "You know, those ballots are going to magically show up just like they did right you saw that line on the curve up north in a 100 percent of votes. We went to sleep. I woke up two hours later after not sleeping for 3 days with this amazing a hundred thirty thousand about that one of them for Donald Trump," he said. US election 2020 result LIVE updates: Biden nears victory, Trump claims would win unless Democrats 'steal' polls STOP THE FRAUD! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2020 × Trump has been claiming that the elections are rigged since the night of elections when the mail-in ballots were being counted. He claims Joe Biden has rigged the elections. "If you count the legal votes, I easily win," he claimed. "They're trying to rig an election. And we can't let that happen." Interestingly, Trump started accusing Biden of rigging the elections only after Joe Biden started leading. He has been urging the citizens to be aware and has asked his legal team to file lawsuits in all the states where Biden has shown lead after November 03 night. In the Georgia case, his campaign team accused 53 late-arriving ballots were mixed with the ballots that came on time. In Michigan, too, he tried to stop the votes from being counted. However, his team lost both the cases as both the judges from the states, Judge James Bass and Judge Cynthia Stephens, said there was no evidence or basis of these allegations. Also read| Did Bernie Sanders predict Trump's election fraud claim? Video goes viral Meanwhile, a judge has ordered twice daily sweeps at US Postal Service (USPS) facilities specifically in Nevada and North Carolina, where the votes are still being counted. While Donald Trump is trying his best to get the judges to rule in his favour, Joe Biden has accepted his win and is urging people to "keep the faith, folks". Biden has been actively posting on his official Twitter account urging people to stay calm and trust the system. "No one is going to take our democracy away from us. Not now, not ever," he tweeted. "America has come too far, fought too many battles, and endured too much to let that happen."

US Election results 2020: Trump campaign loses legal fights in Georgia and Michigan

The situation of the election in the United States continues to remain tense and the world is waiting eagerly to see the next president of the United States. Over the last several months, the world's largest economy has seen it all: from becoming the world's worst-hit coronavirus country, widespread protests, riots and violence related to racism and President Donald Trump's erratic presidency and unverified claims.

The situation of the election in the United States continues to remain tense and the world is waiting eagerly to see the next president of the United States. Over the last several months, the world's largest economy has seen it all: from becoming the world's worst-hit coronavirus country, widespread protests, riots and violence related to racism and President Donald Trump's erratic presidency and unverified claims. The record voting through postal ballots meant that the declaration of results will take a considerable amount of time and that is why even after nearly three days, we don't know who the next president would be. However, social media has kept Americans busy as the medium is helping them crack some jokes and lessen the intensity of a tightly-fought election. In a reference to the worn-out method of files getting downloaded in times when internet speed used to be slow in the era of internet explorer, an Instagram account by the name of Oatmeal shared an image of votes getting counted and time remaining is several minutes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by theoatmeal (@theoatmeal) on Nov 4, 2020 at 8:58am PST × Good morning! Looking forward to another day of this.😭#ElectionResults2020 #Elections2020 #thursdaymorning pic.twitter.com/a4FnKtCOQp — Holly Figueroa O'Reilly (@AynRandPaulRyan) November 5, 2020 × Nevada AG Aaron Ford responds to people sharing a meme joking that the Zootopia sloth is who is counting ballots in Nevada: "my friend @Bakari_Sellers tweeted about it and I told him he aint right about that." Adds "we're doing to the best we can," "it's going to take some time" pic.twitter.com/scbtNSDk3t — Cheyenne Haslett (@cheyennehaslett) November 5, 2020 × Many users also trolled Nevada, which is one of the key states that has not completed its counting, with one person sharing a video making fun of election officials and the background music running: "I don't really want to work today". View this post on Instagram Nevada left the chat A post shared by Saint Hoax (@sainthoax) on Nov 4, 2020 at 6:54pm PST × nevada after counting 1 ballot an hour pic.twitter.com/2i8JycJtLt — joe (@jxeker) November 5, 2020 × me driving to nevada to count those votes myself #Elections2020 pic.twitter.com/u6h5CBEMUt — rosina :p (@r0sinab) November 4, 2020 × The counting remains on the states of Nevada, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Alaska and since none of the contenders has an outright lead, these states will decide the next American president.

Americans share hilarious posts as election counting saga continues

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Trump</a> campaign has filed a lawsuit in the state of Georgia asking to pause the counting of the votes of the states for the US Presidential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">election</a>.

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/us-election">US election</a> results started pouring in,&nbsp;the&nbsp;current President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;was heard saying losing is not easy, especially not for him. Later, when&nbsp;the former Vice President and&nbsp;Democratic nominee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;addressed the nation and asked people to "keep faith" in the system, Trump, too, decided to address the nation and told people the system is a fraud.

Donald Trump, during, his address told the country that he will be moving the Supreme Court and asked for all vote counting to stop alleging fraud and accusing his opposition of manipulating the election results, or as Trump describes it, "cheating".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-result-live-update-donald-trump-joe-biden-votes-tally-president-predictions-begins-vote-count-how-to-follow-the-2020-us-election-results-from-india-Trump-wins-Kentucky-joe-Biden-Vermont-340293">US election 2020 result LIVE updates: As vote count continues, Biden, Trump supporters conduct march</a>

The lawsuit has been filed against the Chatham County Board of Election, and as per this lawsuit, the Trump campaign wants the judge to ask the county to secure and account ballots received after 7 pm on the election day, i.e. November 03.

"President Trump and his team are fighting for the good of the nation to uphold the rule of law, and Georgia’s law is very clear: to legally count, mail ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day," deputy campaign manager Justin Clark said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-formally-leaves-paris-climate-accord-after-us-election-results-biden-vows-to-return-340618">Also read|&nbsp;US formally leaves Paris climate accord after US election results; Biden vows to return</a>

As per various local reports, the Trump campaign is aiming to start a&nbsp;multi-pronged legal attack in various key battleground states after the election results night. The President wants the justice system to intervene in a pending US Supreme Court case that has yet to decide whether or not the mail-in votes received after the election day should be counted or not.

Some reports have also stated that the Trump campaign has also filed similar lawsuits in Michigan and&nbsp;Pennsylvania, seeking to halt vote counting and have accused the officials of not releasing a fair number.

“The Trump campaign is filing a number of meritless lawsuits around the country. Don’t be deceived,” Democratic Party lawyer Marc Elias said on Twitter. “They know they have lost and this is all they have left.”

The Trump campaign has filed a lawsuit in the state of Georgia asking to pause the counting of the votes of the states for the US Presidential election. As the US election results started pouring in, the current President Donald Trump was heard saying losing is not easy, especially not for him.

The Trump campaign has filed a lawsuit in the state of Georgia asking to pause the counting of the votes of the states for the US Presidential election. As the US election results started pouring in, the current President Donald Trump was heard saying losing is not easy, especially not for him. Later, when the former Vice President and Democratic nominee Joe Biden addressed the nation and asked people to "keep faith" in the system, Trump, too, decided to address the nation and told people the system is a fraud. Donald Trump, during, his address told the country that he will be moving the Supreme Court and asked for all vote counting to stop alleging fraud and accusing his opposition of manipulating the election results, or as Trump describes it, "cheating". US election 2020 result LIVE updates: As vote count continues, Biden, Trump supporters conduct march The lawsuit has been filed against the Chatham County Board of Election, and as per this lawsuit, the Trump campaign wants the judge to ask the county to secure and account ballots received after 7 pm on the election day, i.e. November 03. "President Trump and his team are fighting for the good of the nation to uphold the rule of law, and Georgia’s law is very clear: to legally count, mail ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day," deputy campaign manager Justin Clark said in a statement. Also read| US formally leaves Paris climate accord after US election results; Biden vows to return As per various local reports, the Trump campaign is aiming to start a multi-pronged legal attack in various key battleground states after the election results night. The President wants the justice system to intervene in a pending US Supreme Court case that has yet to decide whether or not the mail-in votes received after the election day should be counted or not. Some reports have also stated that the Trump campaign has also filed similar lawsuits in Michigan and Pennsylvania, seeking to halt vote counting and have accused the officials of not releasing a fair number. “The Trump campaign is filing a number of meritless lawsuits around the country. Don’t be deceived,” Democratic Party lawyer Marc Elias said on Twitter. “They know they have lost and this is all they have left.”

US Election result 2020: Trump's campaign files lawsuit in Georgia asking to pause vote count

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, US voters turned up in huge numbers as Biden and<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-country-entitled-to-know-who-won-on-november-3-says-trump-340238"> Trump</a> set their sights on key battlegrounds states including Georgia during US elections 2020.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-us-election-2020-donald-trump-joe-biden-more-than-98-million-voted-to-elect-the-next-president-340039">US Elections Live:&nbsp;It is going to be a tight race, says Kamala Harris to US voters</a>

Opinion polls show<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-elections-2020-crucial-states-that-could-determine-course-of-the-race-340196#georgia-338289"> Democratic </a>presidential hopeful Joe Biden could disrupt Republican electoral power in Georgia which would be a huge setback for Trump since it is a GOP stronghold.

Both Trump and Biden have campaigned in the state in the hope of swinging voters who have been vacillating over their choice.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-trump-biden-eye-florida-as-battleground-states-hold-sway-340285">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump, Biden eye Florida as battleground states hold sway</a>

Biden, however, is determined to upset the Republican applecart campaigning fiercely in the state including in Warm Springs and at a drive-in car rally in Atlanta. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-aid-worker-released-from-egyptian-jail-after-trumps-intervention-asks-people-to-vote-for-biden-340283">Biden</a> had attacked Trump's performance on COVID-19 asserting that it was "capitulation" and stated that the US president "shrugged, he swaggered and he surrendered."

Georgia had last voted for a Democratic in the 1992 elections when Bill Clinton took the state. Biden this time hopes to overturn the Republican advantage in the Red State.

In fact, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/win-or-lose-trump-and-bidens-parties-will-plunge-into-uncertainty-340281">Biden's</a> vice-presidential pick &nbsp;Kamala Harris, 56, campaigned in Atlanta, Georgia, signifying the importance of the state for the Democrats. There has been a record turnout of during the US election with over 3 million voters already exercised their franchise before polling day on November 3.

The crucial state has&nbsp;African-Americans in huge numbers comprising one-third of the population with&nbsp;much at stake for Democrats who hope to swing the state in their favour this time.

The southern state known for slavery and segregation during its history has been a Republican bastion.&nbsp;

The Democrats, however, have been trying to woo the African-Americans, as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-2020-we-have-a-choice-in-front-of-us-we-need-to-deal-with-racial-disparity-says-kamala-harris-to-us-voters-340257">Kamala Harris</a> during her campaign said: "Donald Trump has this goal to turn 20 per cent of Black men out in favour of him, Donald Trump -- who pushed, as part of his popularity, the theme that the first Black man to be president of the United States was illegitimately there."

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, US voters turned up in huge numbers as Biden and Trump set their sights on key battlegrounds states including Georgia during US elections 2020.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, US voters turned up in huge numbers as Biden and Trump set their sights on key battlegrounds states including Georgia during US elections 2020. US Elections Live: It is going to be a tight race, says Kamala Harris to US voters Opinion polls show Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden could disrupt Republican electoral power in Georgia which would be a huge setback for Trump since it is a GOP stronghold. Both Trump and Biden have campaigned in the state in the hope of swinging voters who have been vacillating over their choice. Also Read: Trump, Biden eye Florida as battleground states hold sway Biden, however, is determined to upset the Republican applecart campaigning fiercely in the state including in Warm Springs and at a drive-in car rally in Atlanta. Biden had attacked Trump's performance on COVID-19 asserting that it was "capitulation" and stated that the US president "shrugged, he swaggered and he surrendered." Georgia had last voted for a Democratic in the 1992 elections when Bill Clinton took the state. Biden this time hopes to overturn the Republican advantage in the Red State. In fact, Biden's vice-presidential pick Kamala Harris, 56, campaigned in Atlanta, Georgia, signifying the importance of the state for the Democrats. There has been a record turnout of during the US election with over 3 million voters already exercised their franchise before polling day on November 3. The crucial state has African-Americans in huge numbers comprising one-third of the population with much at stake for Democrats who hope to swing the state in their favour this time. The southern state known for slavery and segregation during its history has been a Republican bastion. The Democrats, however, have been trying to woo the African-Americans, as Kamala Harris during her campaign said: "Donald Trump has this goal to turn 20 per cent of Black men out in favour of him, Donald Trump -- who pushed, as part of his popularity, the theme that the first Black man to be president of the United States was illegitimately there."

Key states in US elections 2020: Biden hopes to turn 'Red' Georgia into 'Blue' as Trump struggles

Police in Georgia freed 43 people after an armed assailant took them hostage in a bank on Wednesday.

Police: 43 bank hostages freed in Georgia; One of the 3 hostages still held

A group of as many as 19 families have purchased a piece of land in the United States to create a city safe for Black people.

The 97-acre land sits just East of Macon in rural Wilkinson County, Georgia. The purchase was made back in August.

Real estate agent Ashley Scott and her friend, investor and entrepreneur Renee Walters were prompted to search for a new community by the unrest that took hold of the US earlier this year after the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police.

The women reached out to family and friends to see who might be interested in joining their effort. Together, they created the Freedom Georgia Initiative to spearhead the purchase. They hope to incorporate the land they bought into a new Black city, called Freedom, Georgia.

They hope to grow within a few years. By the end of their development plan, they hope to have a fully operational, self-sufficient city -- putting Freedom, Georgia, on the map. 
&nbsp;

A group of as many as 19 families have purchased a piece of land in the United States to create a city safe for Black people. The 97-acre land sits just East of Macon in rural Wilkinson County, Georgia.

A group of as many as 19 families have purchased a piece of land in the United States to create a city safe for Black people. The 97-acre land sits just East of Macon in rural Wilkinson County, Georgia. The purchase was made back in August. Real estate agent Ashley Scott and her friend, investor and entrepreneur Renee Walters were prompted to search for a new community by the unrest that took hold of the US earlier this year after the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor at the hands of police. The women reached out to family and friends to see who might be interested in joining their effort. Together, they created the Freedom Georgia Initiative to spearhead the purchase. They hope to incorporate the land they bought into a new Black city, called Freedom, Georgia. They hope to grow within a few years. By the end of their development plan, they hope to have a fully operational, self-sufficient city -- putting Freedom, Georgia, on the map.

Over 15 families buy land in Georgia to create a city safe for Black people

The three White men charged with the murder of&nbsp;Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, have pleaded not guilty in the&nbsp;Chatham County Superior Court on Friday.

Arbery was shot by&nbsp;a former law enforcement officer, Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, while he was jogging in the neighbourhood on February 23.&nbsp;

The father-son duo have been charged with&nbsp;murder and aggravated assault.&nbsp;Their neighbor who took the cellphone video, William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., 50, was charged with murder and attempt to illegally detain and confine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-three-men-involved-in-killing-of-black-jogger-ahmaud-arbery-charged-with-murder-308382">Also read:&nbsp;All three men involved in killing of black jogger Ahmaud Arbery charged with murder</a>

The three of them pleaded not guilty. On the request of the defendants' lawyers, Judge Timothy Walmsley has accepted the not guilty pleas and waived arraignment.

“Keeping him in jail isn’t going to accomplish anything,” Bryan’s attorney, Kevin Gough, told reporters on Thursday.

“Going in and out of jail is difficult because of the virus, and being in jail is tough with the virus,” he added.

Gough has also expressed his intentions of requesting a change of the lead prosecutor. However, it has not been made official, as of now.

(With inputs from agencies)

The three White men charged with the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, have pleaded not guilty in the Chatham County Superior Court on Friday. Arbery was shot by a former law enforcement officer, Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, while he was jogging in the neighbourhood on February 23.

The three White men charged with the murder of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man, have pleaded not guilty in the Chatham County Superior Court on Friday. Arbery was shot by a former law enforcement officer, Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, while he was jogging in the neighbourhood on February 23. The father-son duo have been charged with murder and aggravated assault. Their neighbor who took the cellphone video, William “Roddie” Bryan Jr., 50, was charged with murder and attempt to illegally detain and confine. Also read: All three men involved in killing of black jogger Ahmaud Arbery charged with murder The three of them pleaded not guilty. On the request of the defendants' lawyers, Judge Timothy Walmsley has accepted the not guilty pleas and waived arraignment. “Keeping him in jail isn’t going to accomplish anything,” Bryan’s attorney, Kevin Gough, told reporters on Thursday. “Going in and out of jail is difficult because of the virus, and being in jail is tough with the virus,” he added. Gough has also expressed his intentions of requesting a change of the lead prosecutor. However, it has not been made official, as of now. (With inputs from agencies)

Black jogger Ahmaud Arbery's alleged killers plead not guilty

A group of predominantly Black armed protesters marched through a Georgia memorial park on the Fourth of July.

Black Armed protesters march through Confederate memorial park in Georgia

All the three men, who were arrested for killing &nbsp;Ahmoud Arbery, a young black jogger, have been charged with murder by a grand jury on Wednesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rhode-island-to-change-official-name-over-links-to-colonial-slavery-governor-signs-executive-orders-308381" hreflang="en">Rhode Island to change official name over links to colonial slavery; Governor signs executive orders</a>

25-year-old Arbury was shot dead on February 23 while running in a residential area of Brunswick, Georgia, which has a long history of segregation.&nbsp;

There were no arrests for over two months until the video of him being killed resurfaced online and went viral. In the video, Retired police officer Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, were visible and were arrested on May 7. William Bryan, the guy who filmed the video was arrested two weeks later.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooters-of-georgia-black-man-used-n-word-after-shooting-investigator-testifies-303485">Shooters of Georgia black man used 'N' word after shooting, investigator testifies</a>

The charges were formally indicted on Wednesday by a grand jury, a group of citizens appointed to weigh how valid a charge is ahead of a trial.

Nine counts, including murder, aggravated assault and false imprisonment were laid against the three men.&nbsp;

They "caused his death by unlawfully chasing him... in pickup trucks and shooting him with a shotgun," the document said.&nbsp;

"This confirms what Ahmaud's father has been saying for months -- that this was a lynching," Ben Crump, a lawyer for Arbery's family, said in a statement Wednesday.&nbsp;

"This is a significant step on the road to justice and while nothing will bring back Ahmaud Arbery's life, it is important that a Grand jury recognized his life had value and was wrongly and ruthlessly ended," he said, calling for a "successful prosecution" and proportionate sentences. &nbsp;

Arbery's name was chanted by the anti-racism protestors in the United States. The 25-year-old joined the list with George Floyd in terms of being a victim in systemic racism against African Americans. The killing of George Floyd on May 35, kicked off massive protests across the United States.&nbsp;

(Inputs from AFP)

All the three men, who were arrested for killing Ahmoud Arbery, a young black jogger, have been charged with murder by a grand jury on Wednesday. Also read: Rhode Island to change official name over links to colonial slavery; Governor signs executive orders 25-year-old Arbury was shot dead on February 23 while running in a residential area of Brunswick, Georgia, which has a long history of segregation.

All the three men, who were arrested for killing Ahmoud Arbery, a young black jogger, have been charged with murder by a grand jury on Wednesday. Also read: Rhode Island to change official name over links to colonial slavery; Governor signs executive orders 25-year-old Arbury was shot dead on February 23 while running in a residential area of Brunswick, Georgia, which has a long history of segregation. There were no arrests for over two months until the video of him being killed resurfaced online and went viral. In the video, Retired police officer Gregory McMichael, 64, and his son Travis, 34, were visible and were arrested on May 7. William Bryan, the guy who filmed the video was arrested two weeks later. Also read: Shooters of Georgia black man used 'N' word after shooting, investigator testifies The charges were formally indicted on Wednesday by a grand jury, a group of citizens appointed to weigh how valid a charge is ahead of a trial. Nine counts, including murder, aggravated assault and false imprisonment were laid against the three men. They "caused his death by unlawfully chasing him... in pickup trucks and shooting him with a shotgun," the document said. "This confirms what Ahmaud's father has been saying for months -- that this was a lynching," Ben Crump, a lawyer for Arbery's family, said in a statement Wednesday. "This is a significant step on the road to justice and while nothing will bring back Ahmaud Arbery's life, it is important that a Grand jury recognized his life had value and was wrongly and ruthlessly ended," he said, calling for a "successful prosecution" and proportionate sentences. Arbery's name was chanted by the anti-racism protestors in the United States. The 25-year-old joined the list with George Floyd in terms of being a victim in systemic racism against African Americans. The killing of George Floyd on May 35, kicked off massive protests across the United States. (Inputs from AFP)

All three men involved in killing of black jogger Ahmaud Arbery charged with murder

Across Georgia, protests are filling the streets and voices are being lifted and heard. In Atlanta, youth rallies were held after days of protests left the city on edge.

Young voices take the lead at Georgia protests

Ahmaud Arbery was shot by&nbsp;Gregory and Travis McMichael in Gerogia in February while jogging in the neighbourhood.&nbsp;

Gregory, 64, and Travis McMichael, 34, are in the custody of the Glynn County Sheriff's Department and have been detained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) since May 07.

During a court session on the matter,&nbsp;an investigator testified in court on Thursday confirming that a racial slur was used after Ahmaud was shot by the father-son pair.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-lot-of-them-arent-even-pretending-to-be-in-charge-obama-attacks-trump-administration-299125">Also read:&nbsp;A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge: Obama attacks Trump administration</a>

After more than five hours of arguments during which a prosecutor said Arbery, 25, had been "chased, hunted and ultimately executed", Glynn County Chief Magistrate Judge Wallace Harrell ruled probable cause existed and the case could go to trial.

Special Agent Richard Dial of the GBI claimed that William Bryan told his office in an interview last month that the former police officer's son, Travis McMichael, uttered the slur as the unarmed Ahmaud lay dying from the shooting wounds.

"Mr. Bryan said that after the shooting took place before police arrival, while Mr. Arbery was on the ground, that he heard Travis McMichael make the statement: fucking nigger," Richard Dial said in testimony.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-gather-to-remember-george-floyd-at-memorial-service-303444">Also read:&nbsp;Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service</a>

Special Agent also claimed to possess evidence from social media and other resources through which he can prove&nbsp;Travis McMichael had used racial slurs in the past.

He claimed to have proof Travis, that&nbsp;a former U.S. Coast Guard boarding officer, once told a friend that he loved his job because he "was on a boat and there weren't any N-words anywhere," Dial testified.

The father-son duo, who chased the unarmed jogger before shooting him,&nbsp;have been charged with murder and aggravated assault. Bryan, their neighbor who took the cellphone video, was charged with murder and attempting to illegally detain and confine.

Kevin Gough, Bryan's attorney, claimed that his client was unaware of the chase, and took the video as a duty of an Ameerican citizen. The claim was criticized by&nbsp;Special prosecutor Jesse Evans who told the court that "any American would pick up the phone and call 911" instead.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Ahmaud Arbery was shot by Gregory and Travis McMichael in Gerogia in February while jogging in the neighbourhood. Gregory, 64, and Travis McMichael, 34, are in the custody of the Glynn County Sheriff's Department and have been detained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) since May 07.

Ahmaud Arbery was shot by Gregory and Travis McMichael in Gerogia in February while jogging in the neighbourhood. Gregory, 64, and Travis McMichael, 34, are in the custody of the Glynn County Sheriff's Department and have been detained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) since May 07. During a court session on the matter, an investigator testified in court on Thursday confirming that a racial slur was used after Ahmaud was shot by the father-son pair. Also read: A lot of them aren’t even pretending to be in charge: Obama attacks Trump administration After more than five hours of arguments during which a prosecutor said Arbery, 25, had been "chased, hunted and ultimately executed", Glynn County Chief Magistrate Judge Wallace Harrell ruled probable cause existed and the case could go to trial. Special Agent Richard Dial of the GBI claimed that William Bryan told his office in an interview last month that the former police officer's son, Travis McMichael, uttered the slur as the unarmed Ahmaud lay dying from the shooting wounds. "Mr. Bryan said that after the shooting took place before police arrival, while Mr. Arbery was on the ground, that he heard Travis McMichael make the statement: fucking nigger," Richard Dial said in testimony. Also read: Hundreds gather to remember George Floyd at memorial service Special Agent also claimed to possess evidence from social media and other resources through which he can prove Travis McMichael had used racial slurs in the past. He claimed to have proof Travis, that a former U.S. Coast Guard boarding officer, once told a friend that he loved his job because he "was on a boat and there weren't any N-words anywhere," Dial testified. The father-son duo, who chased the unarmed jogger before shooting him, have been charged with murder and aggravated assault. Bryan, their neighbor who took the cellphone video, was charged with murder and attempting to illegally detain and confine. Kevin Gough, Bryan's attorney, claimed that his client was unaware of the chase, and took the video as a duty of an Ameerican citizen. The claim was criticized by Special prosecutor Jesse Evans who told the court that "any American would pick up the phone and call 911" instead. (With inputs from Reuters)

Shooters of Georgia black man used 'N' word after shooting, investigator testifies

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its&nbsp;regional security program.

Georgia's desire&nbsp;to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia&nbsp;since 2008.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sets-a-grim-record-reports-7933-coronavirus-cases-in-a-day-296066" hreflang="en">Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day</a>

NATO promised Georgia&nbsp;&nbsp;that it would one day join the alliance.

However,&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-prime-minister-mikhail-mishustin-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-295929" hreflang="en">Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus</a>

As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber&nbsp;and misinformation threats.

A four-step strategy has been made&nbsp;for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus.

''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,''&nbsp;Appathurai said.

Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions.

As per NATO policy,&nbsp;countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will include Georgia from Russia under its regional security program. Georgia's desire to join NATO has angered its neighbour Russia since 2008. Also read: Russia sets a grim record, reports 7,933 coronavirus cases in a day NATO promised Georgia that it would one day join the alliance. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned NATO that cultivating closer ties with Ukraine and Georgia would have unspecified consequences for the alliance. Also read: Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin tests positive for coronavirus As a result the Western military bloc announced on Wednesday that it will help protect the Black Sea country from Russia’s “aggressive” cyber and misinformation threats. A four-step strategy has been made for providing Georgia ''hybrid defence'' according to James Appathurai, NATO’s special representative for the Caucasus. ''This implies protection from the methods and means that Russia uses against other countries, for example, cyberattacks or misinformation, energy blockade, covert intelligence or military activity,'' Appathurai said. Russia has hampered Georgia's chances of joing the NATO several times via territorial incursions. As per NATO policy, countries with territorial conflicts cannot join the alliance.

NATO to provide 'hybrid defence' to Georgia against Russia

US President Donald Trump always knows how to stay in news. Few days ago, he faced a lot of criticism for&nbsp;suggesting that COVID-19 patients might be injected with disinfectant. While he backtracked on his statement saying he was being sarcastic, he has yet again made the news with another tweet.

POTUS, on Saturday, missed a White House briefing stating it is 'not worth the time and effort'. Once again concentrating on the issue of fake news, in his&nbsp;tweet he mentioned that the 'Lamestream Media' only asks hostile questions and refuses to report the truth.

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What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, &amp; then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately. They get record ratings, &amp; the American people get nothing but Fake News. Not worth the time &amp; effort!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1254168730898173953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-us-witnesses-nearly-2500-deaths-in-last-24-hours-toll-over-53000-294797">Also read:&nbsp;Coronavirus: US witnesses nearly 2,500 deaths in last 24 hours; toll over 53,000</a>

He took the decision of missing the White House briefing after he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting coronavirus patients can be treated by shining ultraviolet light inside their bodies, or with injecting them with household disinfectant.

"Then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks (the virus) out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-city-to-provide-500000-free-halal-meals-during-ramzan-294414">Also read:&nbsp;New York City to provide 5,00,000 free halal meals during Ramzan</a>

Later, in a press conference on Thursday, Trump&nbsp;said he was being "sarcastic" and did not mean it. That press briefing was cut short to 19 minutes and no questions were accepted from the media.

The next day, on Saturday, he tweeted about not attending press briefing. The tweet did not garner a lot of positive replies, as people feel that he is running away from answering valid questions of Americans and media.&nbsp;

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You consider the softest softball a hostile question. 
 
eg: “What do you say to Americans who are scared?” <a href="https://t.co/Q4ggUjronw">pic.twitter.com/Q4ggUjronw</a>
— Helen Kennedy (@HelenKennedy) <a href="https://twitter.com/HelenKennedy/status/1254177993083121665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
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United States of America is one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus&nbsp;with over 956,000 confirmed positive cases, and a death toll of 53,928.&nbsp;

Even with high death tolls, some southern states like Georgia decided to ignore warnings from top medical experts and opened businesses on Friday. People were later seen flocking to beaches.

US President Donald Trump always knows how to stay in news. Few days ago, he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting that COVID-19 patients might be injected with disinfectant.

US President Donald Trump always knows how to stay in news. Few days ago, he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting that COVID-19 patients might be injected with disinfectant. While he backtracked on his statement saying he was being sarcastic, he has yet again made the news with another tweet. POTUS, on Saturday, missed a White House briefing stating it is 'not worth the time and effort'. Once again concentrating on the issue of fake news, in his tweet he mentioned that the 'Lamestream Media' only asks hostile questions and refuses to report the truth. What is the purpose of having White House News Conferences when the Lamestream Media asks nothing but hostile questions, & then refuses to report the truth or facts accurately. They get record ratings, & the American people get nothing but Fake News. Not worth the time & effort! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2020 × Also read: Coronavirus: US witnesses nearly 2,500 deaths in last 24 hours; toll over 53,000 He took the decision of missing the White House briefing after he faced a lot of criticism for suggesting coronavirus patients can be treated by shining ultraviolet light inside their bodies, or with injecting them with household disinfectant. "Then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks (the virus) out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs," he said. Also read: New York City to provide 5,00,000 free halal meals during Ramzan Later, in a press conference on Thursday, Trump said he was being "sarcastic" and did not mean it. That press briefing was cut short to 19 minutes and no questions were accepted from the media. The next day, on Saturday, he tweeted about not attending press briefing. The tweet did not garner a lot of positive replies, as people feel that he is running away from answering valid questions of Americans and media. You consider the softest softball a hostile question. eg: “What do you say to Americans who are scared?” pic.twitter.com/Q4ggUjronw — Helen Kennedy (@HelenKennedy) April 25, 2020 × United States of America is one of the worst-hit countries by coronavirus with over 956,000 confirmed positive cases, and a death toll of 53,928. Even with high death tolls, some southern states like Georgia decided to ignore warnings from top medical experts and opened businesses on Friday. People were later seen flocking to beaches.

Not worth the time: US President Donald Trump says about media briefings after backtracking on his controversial comment

Georgia's National Ballet, the former Soviet country's famous folk dance ensemble, started giving lessons online after the group's popular dance schools closed their doors due to the coronavirus.

Dance at home: Georgian national ballet moves lessons online

Up to 20,000 opposition supporters rallied in<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../police-in-georgia-detain-protesters-demanding- early-election-263008"> Georgia</a> on Monday, stepping up pressure on the increasingly unpopular ruling party, despite a police crackdown last week and the arrest of protesters.

Waving Georgian and European Union flags, and chanting "Change!" and "Resign!" protesters marched on the capital Tbilisi's main thoroughfare before gathering outside the parliament building.

Opposition leaders said at the rally that mass protests will continue until their demands for electoral reforms, the government's resignation and snap legislative elections are met.

"Georgian people and the entire opposition spectrum is trying to force the ruling party to introduce a fair electoral system in the country," the leader of opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP.

"Mass protests will continue until our demands are met," he added.

Braving sub-zero temperatures, hundreds of protesters -- who were mostly young -- stayed at the protest overnight, many dancing to electronic music.&nbsp;

They blocked entrances to parliament, vowing to prevent lawmakers from entering the building where a plenary session is set to be held on Tuesday.

In the early hours on Tuesday, police arrested five protesters and briefly detained prominent opposition MPs, Giga Bokeria of the European Georgia party, and Tengiz Gunava of Georgia's main opposition force, the United National Movement.

"The government has lost popular support and only relies on police force," one of the protesters, Elene Mikadze, 21, told AFP.

"That means its end is coming."

Pro-opposition Mtavari TV station reported that riot police has been deployed in numbers in parliament's underground compound and in the prime minister's office.

The demonstrators have held a series of mass protests after MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party voted down on November 14 legislation to hold parliamentary elections next year under a new proportional voting system.

Opposition parties have called the rallies after forming a rare united front against Georgian Dream led by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, whom they accuse of orchestrating the bill's failure.

"Rejected compromise"&nbsp; 
Protesters say that the current voting system unfairly favours the ruling party, which won nearly 77 percent of seats in the 2016 parliamentary election despite garnering only 48.7 per cent of the vote.

Georgian Dream has ruled out early polls and on Monday rejected the opposition's new compromise initiative of legislative amendments that would create a level playing field for all the political forces in the tiny Black Sea nation.

Last Monday, riot police used water cannons to disperse protesters and arrested several dozen people outside the parliament building.

Ten demonstrators have been jailed for terms ranging from four to 13 days for "disobeying police orders".

Georgia's public defender said at the time that the prosecution of the peaceful protesters "failed to meet minimum judicial standards."

In a joint statement last week, the embassies of the United States and European Union criticised Georgian Dream's failure to introduce the electoral reform and expressed solidarity with the protesters.

Ivanishvili had promised "large-scale political reform" following a summer of protests that saw 240 people injured in a police crackdown.

Two protesters including a teenage girl lost an eye.

In power since 2012, the ruling party has seen its popularity plummet amid widespread discontent over economic stagnation and perceived backsliding on its commitment to democracy.

Critics accuse Ivanishvili, who is widely believed to be the man in charge in Georgia,&nbsp;of persecuting political opponents, suffocating critical media, and creating a corrupt political system where his private interests dominate government decision-making.

Up to 20,000 opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Monday, stepping up pressure on the increasingly unpopular ruling party, despite a police crackdown last week and the arrest of protesters.

Up to 20,000 opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Monday, stepping up pressure on the increasingly unpopular ruling party, despite a police crackdown last week and the arrest of protesters. Waving Georgian and European Union flags, and chanting "Change!" and "Resign!" protesters marched on the capital Tbilisi's main thoroughfare before gathering outside the parliament building. Opposition leaders said at the rally that mass protests will continue until their demands for electoral reforms, the government's resignation and snap legislative elections are met. "Georgian people and the entire opposition spectrum is trying to force the ruling party to introduce a fair electoral system in the country," the leader of opposition Republican Party, Levan Berdzenishvili, told AFP. "Mass protests will continue until our demands are met," he added. Braving sub-zero temperatures, hundreds of protesters -- who were mostly young -- stayed at the protest overnight, many dancing to electronic music. They blocked entrances to parliament, vowing to prevent lawmakers from entering the building where a plenary session is set to be held on Tuesday. In the early hours on Tuesday, police arrested five protesters and briefly detained prominent opposition MPs, Giga Bokeria of the European Georgia party, and Tengiz Gunava of Georgia's main opposition force, the United National Movement. "The government has lost popular support and only relies on police force," one of the protesters, Elene Mikadze, 21, told AFP. "That means its end is coming." Pro-opposition Mtavari TV station reported that riot police has been deployed in numbers in parliament's underground compound and in the prime minister's office. The demonstrators have held a series of mass protests after MPs from the ruling Georgian Dream party voted down on November 14 legislation to hold parliamentary elections next year under a new proportional voting system. Opposition parties have called the rallies after forming a rare united front against Georgian Dream led by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, whom they accuse of orchestrating the bill's failure. "Rejected compromise" Protesters say that the current voting system unfairly favours the ruling party, which won nearly 77 percent of seats in the 2016 parliamentary election despite garnering only 48.7 per cent of the vote. Georgian Dream has ruled out early polls and on Monday rejected the opposition's new compromise initiative of legislative amendments that would create a level playing field for all the political forces in the tiny Black Sea nation. Last Monday, riot police used water cannons to disperse protesters and arrested several dozen people outside the parliament building. Ten demonstrators have been jailed for terms ranging from four to 13 days for "disobeying police orders". Georgia's public defender said at the time that the prosecution of the peaceful protesters "failed to meet minimum judicial standards." In a joint statement last week, the embassies of the United States and European Union criticised Georgian Dream's failure to introduce the electoral reform and expressed solidarity with the protesters. Ivanishvili had promised "large-scale political reform" following a summer of protests that saw 240 people injured in a police crackdown. Two protesters including a teenage girl lost an eye. In power since 2012, the ruling party has seen its popularity plummet amid widespread discontent over economic stagnation and perceived backsliding on its commitment to democracy. Critics accuse Ivanishvili, who is widely believed to be the man in charge in Georgia, of persecuting political opponents, suffocating critical media, and creating a corrupt political system where his private interests dominate government decision-making.

Defiant Georgia opposition stages fresh protest despite crackdown

Police used water cannon to disperse protesters near Georgia's parliament on Monday and arrested several people calling for an early election.

The violence broke out a day after 20,000 people rallied in the centre of the Georgian capital Tbilisi to protest against the government and demand an early parliamentary election.

Dozens of protesters gathered in four places near parliament on Monday shouting "Long live Georgia!".

Hundreds of police officers were then deployed to the scene, who gave protesters 30 minutes to disperse before using water cannon. A Reuters reporter saw two policemen firing tear gas at a crowd at one of the locations, though police later denied using teargas.

Opposition activists said more than 20 protesters, including some opposition leaders, had been arrested.

One group of protesters remained in front of parliament afterwards, some giving speeches on a stage as police looked on.

Members of the ruling Georgia Dream party managed to get into the parliament building and attend a meeting after three of its entrances were opened. Opposition lawmakers did not attend the meeting.

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said the opposition's actions went beyond peaceful demonstrations and that blocking entrances to parliament was illegal.

"The police acted competently and within the law," he said in a statement.

The protest took place days after the ex-Soviet country's parliament failed to pass a planned electoral reform, a move to full proportional representation from the mixed system at present.

Currently, almost half of the lawmakers in parliament are elected not by party lists, but in single-mandate constituencies.

The European Union's delegation in Georgia and the US Embassy released a joint statement on Monday saying they recognised "the deep disappointment of a wide segment of Georgian society" at parliament's failure to pass the constitutional amendments.

"We consider it essential to immediately work to restore trust through a calm and respectful dialogue between the government and all political parties and civil society with a view to finding an acceptable path forward," they said in the statement.

Police used water cannon to disperse protesters near Georgia's parliament on Monday and arrested several people calling for an early election. The violence broke out a day after 20,000 people rallied in the centre of the Georgian capital Tbilisi to protest against the government and demand an early parliamentary election.

Police used water cannon to disperse protesters near Georgia's parliament on Monday and arrested several people calling for an early election. The violence broke out a day after 20,000 people rallied in the centre of the Georgian capital Tbilisi to protest against the government and demand an early parliamentary election. Dozens of protesters gathered in four places near parliament on Monday shouting "Long live Georgia!". Hundreds of police officers were then deployed to the scene, who gave protesters 30 minutes to disperse before using water cannon. A Reuters reporter saw two policemen firing tear gas at a crowd at one of the locations, though police later denied using teargas. Opposition activists said more than 20 protesters, including some opposition leaders, had been arrested. One group of protesters remained in front of parliament afterwards, some giving speeches on a stage as police looked on. Members of the ruling Georgia Dream party managed to get into the parliament building and attend a meeting after three of its entrances were opened. Opposition lawmakers did not attend the meeting. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said the opposition's actions went beyond peaceful demonstrations and that blocking entrances to parliament was illegal. "The police acted competently and within the law," he said in a statement. The protest took place days after the ex-Soviet country's parliament failed to pass a planned electoral reform, a move to full proportional representation from the mixed system at present. Currently, almost half of the lawmakers in parliament are elected not by party lists, but in single-mandate constituencies. The European Union's delegation in Georgia and the US Embassy released a joint statement on Monday saying they recognised "the deep disappointment of a wide segment of Georgian society" at parliament's failure to pass the constitutional amendments. "We consider it essential to immediately work to restore trust through a calm and respectful dialogue between the government and all political parties and civil society with a view to finding an acceptable path forward," they said in the statement.

Police in Georgia detain protesters demanding early election

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Sunday, demanding the government's resignation and early parliamentary polls after the increasingly unpopular ruling party backtracked on promised electoral reforms.

Protesters gathered outside the parliament building on the capital Tbilisi's main thoroughfare in one of the biggest anti-government rallies in years amid mounting pressure on the ruling Georgian Dream party led by powerful oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Demanding the government's resignation and snap parliamentary polls, the crowd waved Georgian and European Union flags, lit coloured flares and held up a giant banner with the anti-Ivanishvili slogan "All against One".

Opposition parties had called for the protest after forming an unprecedented united front against Georgian Dream, whose MPs last week voted down legislation to hold parliamentary elections next year under a new proportional voting system.

The opposition accused Ivanishvili of orchestrating the bill's failure, saying the ruling party unfairly benefits from the current voting system.

At an earlier protest on Thursday, some 10,000 people rallied in Tbilisi, vowing to hold "permanent mass protests" until their demands for snap polls are met.

Ivanishvili, Georgia's richest man, had announced "large-scale political reform" under pressure following mass street protests in June and July.

The summer protests saw a violent police crackdown in which 240 people were injured and two peaceful protesters lost an eye, including a teenage girl.

Georgian Dream, in power since 2012, has seen its popularity plummet amid widespread discontent over its failure to address economic stagnation and perceived backsliding on its commitment to democracy.

Critics have accused Ivanishvili, who is widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia, of persecuting political opponents, suffocating critical media, and creating a corrupt political system where his private interests dominate government's decision-making.

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Sunday, demanding the government's resignation and early parliamentary polls after the increasingly unpopular ruling party backtracked on promised electoral reforms.

Thousands of opposition supporters rallied in Georgia on Sunday, demanding the government's resignation and early parliamentary polls after the increasingly unpopular ruling party backtracked on promised electoral reforms. Protesters gathered outside the parliament building on the capital Tbilisi's main thoroughfare in one of the biggest anti-government rallies in years amid mounting pressure on the ruling Georgian Dream party led by powerful oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Demanding the government's resignation and snap parliamentary polls, the crowd waved Georgian and European Union flags, lit coloured flares and held up a giant banner with the anti-Ivanishvili slogan "All against One". Opposition parties had called for the protest after forming an unprecedented united front against Georgian Dream, whose MPs last week voted down legislation to hold parliamentary elections next year under a new proportional voting system. The opposition accused Ivanishvili of orchestrating the bill's failure, saying the ruling party unfairly benefits from the current voting system. At an earlier protest on Thursday, some 10,000 people rallied in Tbilisi, vowing to hold "permanent mass protests" until their demands for snap polls are met. Ivanishvili, Georgia's richest man, had announced "large-scale political reform" under pressure following mass street protests in June and July. The summer protests saw a violent police crackdown in which 240 people were injured and two peaceful protesters lost an eye, including a teenage girl. Georgian Dream, in power since 2012, has seen its popularity plummet amid widespread discontent over its failure to address economic stagnation and perceived backsliding on its commitment to democracy. Critics have accused Ivanishvili, who is widely believed to be calling the shots in Georgia, of persecuting political opponents, suffocating critical media, and creating a corrupt political system where his private interests dominate government's decision-making.

Thousands protest in Georgia demanding snap polls

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze announced his resignation on Monday after little more than a year in the job and said the country must not be riven by political divisions that could play into Russia's hands.

Bakhtadze's resignation comes as the ruling Georgian Dream party's popularity has sagged following the brutal dispersal of an anti-Kremlin protest in Tbilisi on June 21. Parliamentary elections are due in October next year.

Bakhtadze, 37, a former finance minister who became prime minister in June last year, used a lengthy post on Facebook announcing his resignation to warn against damaging divisions in the country.

"...we must always remember that the only one who will win from the polarisation of Georgian society will be an occupying country," he wrote.

Georgia fought and lost a short war with Russia in 2008, prompting the countries to cut diplomatic ties. Russia went on to recognise the independence of two breakaway Georgian regions where it now has troops garrisoned.

Ties with Russia are therefore a politically divisive issue and a rally outside parliament this summer when a visiting Russian lawmaker addressed the chamber from the speaker's chair, descended into violent clashes with police.

The opposition, which says the current pro-Western government is too soft on Moscow, said that police used excessive force. The government said police were right to use force as protesters were trying to storm parliament.

Bakhtadze's warning also appeared a nod to divisions over domestic political issues such as media freedom and economic management.

The prime minister said he was stepping down because he had accomplished what he set out to do in the job.

"A strategic development framework has been created, implemented, and I have therefore decided to resign because I believe that I have fulfilled my mission at this stage," Bakhtadze said.

The ruling party is due to nominate a new prime minister on Tuesday.

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze announced his resignation on Monday after little more than a year in the job and said the country must not be riven by political divisions that could play into Russia's hands.

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze announced his resignation on Monday after little more than a year in the job and said the country must not be riven by political divisions that could play into Russia's hands. Bakhtadze's resignation comes as the ruling Georgian Dream party's popularity has sagged following the brutal dispersal of an anti-Kremlin protest in Tbilisi on June 21. Parliamentary elections are due in October next year. Bakhtadze, 37, a former finance minister who became prime minister in June last year, used a lengthy post on Facebook announcing his resignation to warn against damaging divisions in the country. "...we must always remember that the only one who will win from the polarisation of Georgian society will be an occupying country," he wrote. Georgia fought and lost a short war with Russia in 2008, prompting the countries to cut diplomatic ties. Russia went on to recognise the independence of two breakaway Georgian regions where it now has troops garrisoned. Ties with Russia are therefore a politically divisive issue and a rally outside parliament this summer when a visiting Russian lawmaker addressed the chamber from the speaker's chair, descended into violent clashes with police. The opposition, which says the current pro-Western government is too soft on Moscow, said that police used excessive force. The government said police were right to use force as protesters were trying to storm parliament. Bakhtadze's warning also appeared a nod to divisions over domestic political issues such as media freedom and economic management. The prime minister said he was stepping down because he had accomplished what he set out to do in the job. "A strategic development framework has been created, implemented, and I have therefore decided to resign because I believe that I have fulfilled my mission at this stage," Bakhtadze said. The ruling party is due to nominate a new prime minister on Tuesday.

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze steps down, warns against political divisions

Hurricane Dorian spun west on Saturday, putting Georgia and the Carolinas in the path of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dorian-churns-toward-florida-as-dangerous-category-4-hurricane-246878"> possible landfall as well as Florida</a>, where some beaches were all but deserted on the holiday weekend as visitors braced for the dangerous category 4 storm.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said there had been a "notable change" since Friday night, with the latest forecasts showing the eye of the storm could veer north and stay out at sea.

But it warned that its course remained unpredictable. Dorian still poses a threat to millions of people, as well as holiday attractions such as Walt Disney World, the NASA launchpads along the Space Coast, and even President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.

The NHC said Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 kph) and was expected to pass north of the southeastern and central Bahamas on Sunday and be near Florida's east coast late Monday through Tuesday.

Of immediate concern were Bahamas tourist hotspots Great Abaco and Grand Bahamas, where up to two days of hurricane-force winds were set to start on Sunday as Dorian slowed to a 2 mph (3.2 kph) crawl.

"This is a very dangerous situation for the Bahamas," NHC Director Ken Graham said in a Facebook Live video.

After so much focus on a possible Florida landfall, Graham said other southeast US states now had to be on alert.

"Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have got to pay attention as well," he said.

The governors of Florida, Georgia and North Carolina have all declared states of emergency.

On Florida's east coast, popular surfing spot Cocoa Beach was quiet as tourists stayed away, while locals worked on putting up hurricane shutters and buying supplies ranging from water to power generators.

"It's pretty slow, there's not many people on the beach," said Alex Hendricks, a saleswoman at the Cocoa Beach Surf Company.

In the Bahamas, most tourists who planned to leave had already gone after Freeport's international airport was scheduled to shut down at 10 p.m. on Friday.

The NHC urged Florida residents to remain on alert.

"It should be noted that the new forecast track does not preclude Dorian making landfall on the Florida coast, as large portions of the coast remain in the track cone of uncertainty," the centre cautioned on Saturday.

Trump said South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia could all be hit harder by the storm than had been previously expected.

"It's moving around and very hard to predict, except that it is one of the biggest and strongest (and really wide) that we have seen in decades. Be safe!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

Hurricane Dorian spun west on Saturday, putting Georgia and the Carolinas in the path of a possible landfall as well as Florida, where some beaches were all but deserted on the holiday weekend as visitors braced for the dangerous category 4 storm.

Hurricane Dorian spun west on Saturday, putting Georgia and the Carolinas in the path of a possible landfall as well as Florida, where some beaches were all but deserted on the holiday weekend as visitors braced for the dangerous category 4 storm. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center said there had been a "notable change" since Friday night, with the latest forecasts showing the eye of the storm could veer north and stay out at sea. But it warned that its course remained unpredictable. Dorian still poses a threat to millions of people, as well as holiday attractions such as Walt Disney World, the NASA launchpads along the Space Coast, and even President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. The NHC said Dorian was packing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph (240 kph) and was expected to pass north of the southeastern and central Bahamas on Sunday and be near Florida's east coast late Monday through Tuesday. Of immediate concern were Bahamas tourist hotspots Great Abaco and Grand Bahamas, where up to two days of hurricane-force winds were set to start on Sunday as Dorian slowed to a 2 mph (3.2 kph) crawl. "This is a very dangerous situation for the Bahamas," NHC Director Ken Graham said in a Facebook Live video. After so much focus on a possible Florida landfall, Graham said other southeast US states now had to be on alert. "Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have got to pay attention as well," he said. The governors of Florida, Georgia and North Carolina have all declared states of emergency. On Florida's east coast, popular surfing spot Cocoa Beach was quiet as tourists stayed away, while locals worked on putting up hurricane shutters and buying supplies ranging from water to power generators. "It's pretty slow, there's not many people on the beach," said Alex Hendricks, a saleswoman at the Cocoa Beach Surf Company. In the Bahamas, most tourists who planned to leave had already gone after Freeport's international airport was scheduled to shut down at 10 p.m. on Friday. The NHC urged Florida residents to remain on alert. "It should be noted that the new forecast track does not preclude Dorian making landfall on the Florida coast, as large portions of the coast remain in the track cone of uncertainty," the centre cautioned on Saturday. Trump said South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia could all be hit harder by the storm than had been previously expected. "It's moving around and very hard to predict, except that it is one of the biggest and strongest (and really wide) that we have seen in decades. Be safe!" Trump wrote on Twitter.

Dorian shifts, Georgia and Carolinas in path as well as Florida

Military drills involving western NATO alliance states and Georgia came to a conclusion on Friday (August 9), after a two-week run. Speaking in front of military servants, who took part in the drills President Salome Zurabishvili said that the exercises show Georgian commitment to further cooperation with the West.

Georgia shows off military skills in joint drills with the NATO

A political crisis in Georgia challenges the fundament of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s civilizational effort to project Russia as a major power whose defence of the Russian diaspora allows it to redefine the country’s borders.

The challenge emerged as protesters demanded the resignation of interior minister Giorgi Gakharia for violently breaking up demonstrations against the Georgian parliament’s invitation to Russian communist lawmaker Sergei Gavrilov and Russia’s de facto occupation of two Georgian regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

More than 240 people were injured when police fired rubber bullets and water cannons to turn back crowds trying to enter parliament on June 20.

Georgia fought a five-day war in 2008 against Russia that resulted in Russian forces leaving behind large contingents of troops in the two Georgian breakaway regions.

A 2018 survey by the Center for Insights in Survey Research concluded that 85 per cent of Georgians consider Russia a “political threat.”

Putin’s spokesman Dimitry Peskov and state-run media described the protests that have entered their third week as “Russophobic hysteria.”

In response, the government sought to disrupt tourism and trade and squeeze Georgia economically by stopping Russian airlines from flying to Georgia as of July 8 citing their debts and safety issues and advising tour operators to drop the country as a destination.

Peskov said the flight ban was to protect the safety of Russian tourists.

An estimated 1.4 million Russians visited Georgia in 2018. Tourism last year accounted for almost eight per cent of Georgia’s GDP.

Russian trading standards body Rospotrebnadzo warned about a “decline in quality” of Georgian wine in a signal that the government could increase pressure by banning one of Georgia’s major exports. Georgia exports 70 per cent of its wine to Russia.

“The issue is simply for Georgia to return to a non-Russophobic path. As soon as we see that, then we can think about re-examining the decisions that have been taken,” Peskov said.

Members of Georgia’s ethnic Russian community and Russian journalists, however, rejected Moscow’s assertions that they were threatened by the protests or widespread anti-Russian sentiment.

“Nothing near the horrors that Russian television has been broadcasting…is happening here. I’m walking around with my perfectly Russian physiognomy, asking questions in Russian and do not encounter a shred of anything even remotely reminiscent of hostility.” said Russian journalist Aleksey Romanov on YouTube.

Russians are not being chased down with “torches and pitchforks,” Anna Trofimenko, a 31-year old Russian web designed in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi told Eurasianet. Trofimenko added that Georgians had good reason to be critical of Russia.

Some Russian analysts suggested that Putin was turning a mouse into an elephant to demonstrate Russian power and the government’s commitment to a state that defines its borders in civilizational rather than national terms.

Putin alluded to his civilizational aspirations in an interview with the Financial Times as he was leaving for last month’s G20 summit in Japan.

Putin bemoaned the fact that “25m ethnic Russians found themselves living outside the Russian Federation. Listen, is this not a tragedy? A huge one! And family relations? Jobs? Travel? It was nothing but a disaster.” Putin was referring to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Putin’s remarks loom larger than a moan against the backdrop of his endorsement in 2013 of a civilizational foreign policy whose objectives included “ensuring comprehensive protection of rights and legitimate interests of Russian citizens and compatriots residing abroad.”

That year, Putin illustrated the flexibility of his notion of compatriots when he noted that Russia and Ukraine had “common traditions, a common mentality, a common history and a common culture. We have very similar languages. In that respect, I want to repeat again, we are one people.”

Unmarked Russian forces entered Crimea a year later. Russia subsequently annexed Crimea following a referendum in which Crimeans voted to join the Russian Federation.

Russia also intervened in support of pro-Russian groups in the Donbas area of Ukraine as well as the self-declared regions of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics.

At the core of Putin’s philosophy is Eurasia’s 21st century Great Game that aims to shape a new world order in an environment in which a critical mass of world leaders, including US President Donald J Trump, Chinese president Xi Jinping, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and the leaders of Brazil, Hungary, Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines, effectively agree on illiberal principles of governance.

That tacit understanding reduces the Great Game to a power struggle in which players jockey for their share of the pie.

Far-right anti-Semitic ideologues associated with the Moscow-based Izborsk Club, who influenced Putin’s thinking, describe their country’s stake in the game as “restoring Russia as a Eurasian empire.”

The club was named after a 16th-century Muscovite fortress that protected Russia’s north-western border.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov put the anti-Russian sentiment in Georgia squarely in that context.

“The Western overseers are prepared to close their eyes to the excesses of nationalists, to Russophobia, even if it severs all ties of the Georgian people with our country. We are soberly assessing the role of the United States and its allies in the world arena,” Lavrov said. 
&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

A political crisis in Georgia challenges the fundament of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s civilizational effort to project Russia as a major power whose defence of the Russian diaspora allows it to redefine the country’s borders.

A political crisis in Georgia challenges the fundament of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s civilizational effort to project Russia as a major power whose defence of the Russian diaspora allows it to redefine the country’s borders. The challenge emerged as protesters demanded the resignation of interior minister Giorgi Gakharia for violently breaking up demonstrations against the Georgian parliament’s invitation to Russian communist lawmaker Sergei Gavrilov and Russia’s de facto occupation of two Georgian regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. More than 240 people were injured when police fired rubber bullets and water cannons to turn back crowds trying to enter parliament on June 20. Georgia fought a five-day war in 2008 against Russia that resulted in Russian forces leaving behind large contingents of troops in the two Georgian breakaway regions. A 2018 survey by the Center for Insights in Survey Research concluded that 85 per cent of Georgians consider Russia a “political threat.” Putin’s spokesman Dimitry Peskov and state-run media described the protests that have entered their third week as “Russophobic hysteria.” In response, the government sought to disrupt tourism and trade and squeeze Georgia economically by stopping Russian airlines from flying to Georgia as of July 8 citing their debts and safety issues and advising tour operators to drop the country as a destination. Peskov said the flight ban was to protect the safety of Russian tourists. An estimated 1.4 million Russians visited Georgia in 2018. Tourism last year accounted for almost eight per cent of Georgia’s GDP. Russian trading standards body Rospotrebnadzo warned about a “decline in quality” of Georgian wine in a signal that the government could increase pressure by banning one of Georgia’s major exports. Georgia exports 70 per cent of its wine to Russia. “The issue is simply for Georgia to return to a non-Russophobic path. As soon as we see that, then we can think about re-examining the decisions that have been taken,” Peskov said. Members of Georgia’s ethnic Russian community and Russian journalists, however, rejected Moscow’s assertions that they were threatened by the protests or widespread anti-Russian sentiment. “Nothing near the horrors that Russian television has been broadcasting…is happening here. I’m walking around with my perfectly Russian physiognomy, asking questions in Russian and do not encounter a shred of anything even remotely reminiscent of hostility.” said Russian journalist Aleksey Romanov on YouTube. Russians are not being chased down with “torches and pitchforks,” Anna Trofimenko, a 31-year old Russian web designed in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi told Eurasianet. Trofimenko added that Georgians had good reason to be critical of Russia. Some Russian analysts suggested that Putin was turning a mouse into an elephant to demonstrate Russian power and the government’s commitment to a state that defines its borders in civilizational rather than national terms. Putin alluded to his civilizational aspirations in an interview with the Financial Times as he was leaving for last month’s G20 summit in Japan. Putin bemoaned the fact that “25m ethnic Russians found themselves living outside the Russian Federation. Listen, is this not a tragedy? A huge one! And family relations? Jobs? Travel? It was nothing but a disaster.” Putin was referring to the collapse of the Soviet Union. Putin’s remarks loom larger than a moan against the backdrop of his endorsement in 2013 of a civilizational foreign policy whose objectives included “ensuring comprehensive protection of rights and legitimate interests of Russian citizens and compatriots residing abroad.” That year, Putin illustrated the flexibility of his notion of compatriots when he noted that Russia and Ukraine had “common traditions, a common mentality, a common history and a common culture. We have very similar languages. In that respect, I want to repeat again, we are one people.” Unmarked Russian forces entered Crimea a year later. Russia subsequently annexed Crimea following a referendum in which Crimeans voted to join the Russian Federation. Russia also intervened in support of pro-Russian groups in the Donbas area of Ukraine as well as the self-declared regions of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. At the core of Putin’s philosophy is Eurasia’s 21st century Great Game that aims to shape a new world order in an environment in which a critical mass of world leaders, including US President Donald J Trump, Chinese president Xi Jinping, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and the leaders of Brazil, Hungary, Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines, effectively agree on illiberal principles of governance. That tacit understanding reduces the Great Game to a power struggle in which players jockey for their share of the pie. Far-right anti-Semitic ideologues associated with the Moscow-based Izborsk Club, who influenced Putin’s thinking, describe their country’s stake in the game as “restoring Russia as a Eurasian empire.” The club was named after a 16th-century Muscovite fortress that protected Russia’s north-western border. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov put the anti-Russian sentiment in Georgia squarely in that context. “The Western overseers are prepared to close their eyes to the excesses of nationalists, to Russophobia, even if it severs all ties of the Georgian people with our country. We are soberly assessing the role of the United States and its allies in the world arena,” Lavrov said. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

What is behind Georgia's anti-Russia protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-announces-250-million-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-228506">Ukraine</a> on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its invitation to monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe elections later this month, in protest against Russia's reinstatement in the body.

Russian delegates had been stripped of their voting rights in the pan-European rights body in 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine, but last week were allowed to return over strong objections from Kiev.

Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy on Tuesday said he signed a letter to PACE president Liliane Maury-Pasquier saying its monitors were no longer welcome at the parliamentary elections to be held on July 21.

"Representatives of an aggressor country, Russia, cannot be among international observers; they will be agents of a hybrid war rather than observers," Parubiy wrote on his Facebook page.

"Any influence by Russia on Ukrainian elections, by any means, is not acceptable."

Ukraine, together with Georgia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia had unsuccessfully tried to block Russia's return to PACE, but it was approved by a vote of 116 in favour to 62 against.

Russia's comeback is the first relaxation of the international sanctions that were imposed on Moscow for seizing Crimea.

Ukraine's snap parliamentary polls were called by the country's recently-elected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-new-president-zelensky-says-ceasefire-first-priority-220138">President Volodymyr Zelensky</a> in a controversial move aimed at replacing lawmakers who he says no longer enjoy public support.

The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament was initially disputed, but the Constitutional Court ruled that it is legitimate.

The Council of Europe on Tuesday confirmed to AFP that Russia paid its participant contribution of 33 million euros for the year 2019.

Ukraine on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its invitation to monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe elections later this month, in protest against Russia's reinstatement in the body.

Ukraine on Tuesday announced it is withdrawing its invitation to monitors from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to observe elections later this month, in protest against Russia's reinstatement in the body. Russian delegates had been stripped of their voting rights in the pan-European rights body in 2014 after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine, but last week were allowed to return over strong objections from Kiev. Ukrainian parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy on Tuesday said he signed a letter to PACE president Liliane Maury-Pasquier saying its monitors were no longer welcome at the parliamentary elections to be held on July 21. "Representatives of an aggressor country, Russia, cannot be among international observers; they will be agents of a hybrid war rather than observers," Parubiy wrote on his Facebook page. "Any influence by Russia on Ukrainian elections, by any means, is not acceptable." Ukraine, together with Georgia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia had unsuccessfully tried to block Russia's return to PACE, but it was approved by a vote of 116 in favour to 62 against. Russia's comeback is the first relaxation of the international sanctions that were imposed on Moscow for seizing Crimea. Ukraine's snap parliamentary polls were called by the country's recently-elected President Volodymyr Zelensky in a controversial move aimed at replacing lawmakers who he says no longer enjoy public support. The legal status of Zelensky's move to dissolve parliament was initially disputed, but the Constitutional Court ruled that it is legitimate. The Council of Europe on Tuesday confirmed to AFP that Russia paid its participant contribution of 33 million euros for the year 2019.

Ukraine says European observers not welcome at July polls

Thousands of people rallied in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgian-protesters-slam-putinism-raise-pressure-on-oligarch-229847">Georgia</a> on Tuesday as prosecutors said they would arrest an opposition leader over mass anti-government protests that have rocked the Caucasus nation for almost a week.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgian-protesters-slam-putinism-raise-pressure-on-oligarch-229847">Tbilisi protests</a> erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat, a controversial move in a country where ties with Moscow remain strained after a brief war in 2008.

Since then the rallies, which erupted Thursday, have morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in the country as leader of the ruling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgians-angry-over-russian-lawmakers-visit-try-to-storm-parliament-229107">Georgian Dream party</a>.

On Tuesday, prosecutors said they had charged Nika Melia, an opposition MP and a leader of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement party (UNM) with organising "mass violence" outside the parliament building.

The office of Georgia's Prosecutor General said in a statement that it has "appealed to parliament to strip Melia of a parliamentarian's immunity from prosecution and place him in pre-trial detention."

If found guilty, Melia could face up to nine years behind bars.

More than 20 opposition parties issued a statement denouncing Melia's announced arrest as "political persecution and start of repressions against the opposition."

On Tuesday evening, thousands of protesters gathered for the sixth consecutive day in front of Georgia's parliament building, demanding the resignation of the interior minister whom they accuse of using excessive force against the largely peaceful rally.

On Thursday, protesters briefly attempted to storm the parliament building but were pushed back by police and the rally continued peacefully until riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring scores of demonstrators.

Ivanishvili has accused opposition leaders of inciting protesters to storm parliament, a claim they have denied.

Thousands of people rallied in Georgia on Tuesday as prosecutors said they would arrest an opposition leader over mass anti-government protests that have rocked the Caucasus nation for almost a week.

Thousands of people rallied in Georgia on Tuesday as prosecutors said they would arrest an opposition leader over mass anti-government protests that have rocked the Caucasus nation for almost a week. The Tbilisi protests erupted after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat, a controversial move in a country where ties with Moscow remain strained after a brief war in 2008. Since then the rallies, which erupted Thursday, have morphed into a broader movement against billionaire businessman Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely believed to be calling the shots in the country as leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party. On Tuesday, prosecutors said they had charged Nika Melia, an opposition MP and a leader of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement party (UNM) with organising "mass violence" outside the parliament building. The office of Georgia's Prosecutor General said in a statement that it has "appealed to parliament to strip Melia of a parliamentarian's immunity from prosecution and place him in pre-trial detention." If found guilty, Melia could face up to nine years behind bars. More than 20 opposition parties issued a statement denouncing Melia's announced arrest as "political persecution and start of repressions against the opposition." On Tuesday evening, thousands of protesters gathered for the sixth consecutive day in front of Georgia's parliament building, demanding the resignation of the interior minister whom they accuse of using excessive force against the largely peaceful rally. On Thursday, protesters briefly attempted to storm the parliament building but were pushed back by police and the rally continued peacefully until riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas, injuring scores of demonstrators. Ivanishvili has accused opposition leaders of inciting protesters to storm parliament, a claim they have denied.

Thousands rally in Georgia as opposition leader faces arrest

The Kremlin on Friday condemned as a "russophobic provocation" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgians-angry-over-russian-lawmakers-visit-try-to-storm-parliament-229107">mass protests in Georgia</a>, which broke out after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament in the ex-Soviet country.

"Everything that happened in Georgia yesterday is nothing but a russophobic provocation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that it called for "harsh condemnation".

Georgian opposition leaders vowed to hold mass protests until parliament is dissolved, after police used rubber bullets and tear gas against demonstrators who had rallied overnight.&nbsp;

Demonstrations broke out in capital Tbilisi on Thursday after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat -- a deeply controversial move in a country at loggerheads with Moscow.&nbsp;

"The Georgian people and opposition parties demand snap parliamentary polls as well as the resignation of the speaker and the interior minister," Grigol Vashadze, the leader of the United Opposition alliance, told AFP.&nbsp;

"Peaceful mass protest will continue until these demands are met," he said, adding that a fresh rally would start at 7 pm (GMT 1500) on Friday.

The Kremlin on Friday condemned the protests as "aggressive demonstrations against citizens of Russia".

The presence of Russian MP Sergei Gavrilov in parliament sparked outrage in the ex-Soviet nation which in 2008 fought and lost a war with Moscow over the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.&nbsp;

But with parliamentary polls set for next year, opposition groups are also seeking to capitalise on discontent with the ruling Georgian Dream party over its failure to kick-start a stagnant economy.&nbsp;

About 10,000 protesters gathered outside parliament on Thursday afternoon after Gavrilov addressed a forum of lawmakers from predominantly Orthodox countries.

Police pushed back demonstrators when they attempted to enter the parliament courtyard but overall the rally continued peacefully until midnight when officers launched a violent crackdown.

Ambulances evacuated dozens of injured protesters, an AFP reporter at the scene said.&nbsp;

An adviser to Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said 39 police officers and 30 protesters were hospitalised.&nbsp;

Hundreds of baton-wielding riot police intervened again, beating up and arresting dozens of protesters.

Human Rights Watch criticised the use of tear gas and rubber bullets "against thousands of non-violent protesters".&nbsp;

Police failed to "abide by human rights for the use of force," the group said.

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili described Gavrilov's Russian-language speech as "a crime...an offence against the country's dignity".&nbsp;

"But this can't justify anti-state actions, calls to storm parliament and overthrow the government," she said in a statement Thursday as she cut short a trip to fellow ex-Soviet republic Belarus.

Prime Minister Bakhtadze said "destructive opposition leaders" who "staged mass violence" would face justice, in a late-night televised address to the Caucasus mountain nation.Oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili -- widely believed to be calling the shots in the country as leader of the Georgian Dream party -- said he "fully shares the sincere outrage of Georgians" over the invitation to the Russian representative.&nbsp;

Ivanishvili said he had told the parliamentary speaker to suspend the forum of Orthodox nations' MPs.

Mass protests are relatively common in Georgia, where tens of thousands rallied last year over alleged irregularities in a presidential election. &nbsp;

A 2003 "Rose Revolution" pushed out the country's Soviet-era leadership and brought in reformer Mikheil Saakashvili, who served until 2013 and now lives in self-imposed exile as a Ukrainian citizen.

Relations between Georgia and its Soviet-era master Russia have long been fractured over Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and NATO.&nbsp;

The confrontation culminated in a full-out war in August, 2008.

The Russian army swept into Georgia -- bombing targets and occupying large swathes of territory –- after Tbilisi launched a military operation against South Ossetian separatist forces who had been shelling Georgian villages.

After the war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians from both sides, Moscow recognised South Ossetia and another separatist enclave, Abkhazia, as independent states where it then stationed permanent military bases.

Tbilisi and its Western allies have denounced the move as an "illegal military occupation."

The Kremlin on Friday condemned as a "russophobic provocation" mass protests in Georgia, which broke out after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament in the ex-Soviet country.

The Kremlin on Friday condemned as a "russophobic provocation" mass protests in Georgia, which broke out after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament in the ex-Soviet country. "Everything that happened in Georgia yesterday is nothing but a russophobic provocation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that it called for "harsh condemnation". Georgian opposition leaders vowed to hold mass protests until parliament is dissolved, after police used rubber bullets and tear gas against demonstrators who had rallied overnight. Demonstrations broke out in capital Tbilisi on Thursday after a Russian lawmaker addressed parliament from the speaker's seat -- a deeply controversial move in a country at loggerheads with Moscow. "The Georgian people and opposition parties demand snap parliamentary polls as well as the resignation of the speaker and the interior minister," Grigol Vashadze, the leader of the United Opposition alliance, told AFP. "Peaceful mass protest will continue until these demands are met," he said, adding that a fresh rally would start at 7 pm (GMT 1500) on Friday. The Kremlin on Friday condemned the protests as "aggressive demonstrations against citizens of Russia". The presence of Russian MP Sergei Gavrilov in parliament sparked outrage in the ex-Soviet nation which in 2008 fought and lost a war with Moscow over the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. But with parliamentary polls set for next year, opposition groups are also seeking to capitalise on discontent with the ruling Georgian Dream party over its failure to kick-start a stagnant economy. About 10,000 protesters gathered outside parliament on Thursday afternoon after Gavrilov addressed a forum of lawmakers from predominantly Orthodox countries. Police pushed back demonstrators when they attempted to enter the parliament courtyard but overall the rally continued peacefully until midnight when officers launched a violent crackdown. Ambulances evacuated dozens of injured protesters, an AFP reporter at the scene said. An adviser to Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said 39 police officers and 30 protesters were hospitalised. Hundreds of baton-wielding riot police intervened again, beating up and arresting dozens of protesters. Human Rights Watch criticised the use of tear gas and rubber bullets "against thousands of non-violent protesters". Police failed to "abide by human rights for the use of force," the group said. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili described Gavrilov's Russian-language speech as "a crime...an offence against the country's dignity". "But this can't justify anti-state actions, calls to storm parliament and overthrow the government," she said in a statement Thursday as she cut short a trip to fellow ex-Soviet republic Belarus. Prime Minister Bakhtadze said "destructive opposition leaders" who "staged mass violence" would face justice, in a late-night televised address to the Caucasus mountain nation.Oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili -- widely believed to be calling the shots in the country as leader of the Georgian Dream party -- said he "fully shares the sincere outrage of Georgians" over the invitation to the Russian representative. Ivanishvili said he had told the parliamentary speaker to suspend the forum of Orthodox nations' MPs. Mass protests are relatively common in Georgia, where tens of thousands rallied last year over alleged irregularities in a presidential election. A 2003 "Rose Revolution" pushed out the country's Soviet-era leadership and brought in reformer Mikheil Saakashvili, who served until 2013 and now lives in self-imposed exile as a Ukrainian citizen. Relations between Georgia and its Soviet-era master Russia have long been fractured over Tbilisi's bid to join the European Union and NATO. The confrontation culminated in a full-out war in August, 2008. The Russian army swept into Georgia -- bombing targets and occupying large swathes of territory –- after Tbilisi launched a military operation against South Ossetian separatist forces who had been shelling Georgian villages. After the war, which claimed the lives of hundreds of soldiers and civilians from both sides, Moscow recognised South Ossetia and another separatist enclave, Abkhazia, as independent states where it then stationed permanent military bases. Tbilisi and its Western allies have denounced the move as an "illegal military occupation."

Everything happening in Georgia is 'russophobic provocation': Kremlin

Crowds angry over the visit of a Russian lawmaker tried to storm Georgia's parliament building on Thursday evening, pushing against lines of riot police, throwing bottles, and grabbing riot shields from some officers and tearing off their helmets.

Georgians angry over Russian lawmaker's visit try to storm parliament

People Of Georgia Attempt To Break Into Parliament Building, Hundreds Of Protesters Injured.

Gravitas: Georgia: Protest erupt over Russian MP's visit

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