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In recent days, the streets of Tbilisi, Georgia, have witnessed heightened tensions as protests against the government's delay in EU accession talks have escalated. Amidst the unrest, the Georgian police have deployed water cannons as a crowd control tool, aiming to disperse protesters and restore order in the capital.

Water cannons, a staple of riot control worldwide, are designed to exert high-pressure streams of water capable of disrupting crowds. In Tbilisi, these vehicles have become a prominent symbol of the state's response to the protests, appearing nightly outside key government buildings, including the Georgian parliament.

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Features of the Water Cannons

The water cannons used in Tbilisi are mounted on armored vehicles, equipped with high-capacity tanks capable of sustaining prolonged use. The cannons are operated remotely from within the vehicles, ensuring safety for operators amidst chaotic scenes. These systems are capable of delivering both targeted streams and wide dispersal sprays, depending on the situation.

Reports from the protests describe water cannons being used not only to disperse crowds but also to extinguish fires lit by demonstrators. Videos and eyewitness accounts show bursts of high-pressure water scattering groups of protesters, forcing them to retreat while dousing any objects set aflame in the streets.

Effectiveness and Controversy

While water cannons are considered less lethal than other forms of crowd control, such as tear gas or rubber bullets, their use is not without controversy. The high-pressure streams can cause injuries, including bruises, bone fractures, or hypothermia in cold conditions. Protesters have criticized the use of water cannons as excessive, arguing that such measures escalate rather than de-escalate tensions.

On the other hand, authorities argue that water cannons are a necessary tool to maintain public safety during demonstrations that risk turning violent. Georgian officials have pointed to incidents of protesters throwing objects and using improvised devices, such as fireworks, to justify the deployment of these devices.

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A Symbol of Unrest

For many in Georgia, the sight of water cannons in Tbilisi's streets underscores the growing divide between the government and segments of the population demanding closer ties to the European Union. As protests continue, the water cannons remain a stark reminder of the complex and often confrontational dynamics between state power and civil resistance.

The use of water cannons highlights the challenge authorities face in balancing the right to peaceful protest with the need to prevent disorder. For now, these towering vehicles stand as both a tool of control and a potent symbol of a nation in flux.

Patrick Lancaster’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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