What’s happening in Georgia, and why are thousands protesting?

Tens of thousands of protesters in Georgia have overtaken the capital city’s historic Rustaveli Avenue in recent days, waving the national flag, tossing fireworks and clashing with police in tense demonstrations against the ruling party’s decision to suspend talks to join the European Union.

The decision, seen by the opposition as yet another sign of the ruling party cowing to Russian influence, comes months after the Georgian Parliament passed a “foreign agent law” that critics say mirrors a Russian law used to suppress independent journalism and watchdog groups as well as target dissidents.