Over 40 people hospitalized in Georgia protests, pro-Putin leader supports crackdown.

Over 40 individuals in Georgia have been admitted to hospitals after a violent police intervention on demonstrators, which was supported by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

On Sunday, thousands of protesters gathered in Tbilisi for the fourth consecutive night, demanding that the ruling party, the Dream Party, reinstate Georgia's bid to join the European Union (EU).

"Kobakhidze stated during a weekend briefing that any violation of the law would be met with the full force of the law, and that politicians who hide in their offices and sacrifice members of their violent groups to severe punishment would not escape responsibility."

On Sunday, 44 individuals, including 27 protesters, 16 police officers, and one member of the media, were hospitalized after police forces confronted civilians and employed water cannons, tear gas, and firecrackers during a protest in Georgia, according to the Ministry of Interior.

Georgia's integration process has not been stopped, as Kobakhidze stated in his comments. He added that the only thing rejected was the blackmail, which was a significant hindrance to Georgia's European integration.

The European Parliament passed a resolution condemning Georgia's election last month as unfair, and the government responded by halting EU integration.

Despite being a Russian billionaire and a supporter of President Putin, Kobakhidze has faced criticism abroad and at home regarding allegations that the general election was manipulated.

Georgia, after leaving the Soviet Union in 1991, has relied on Western support to counter Moscow's influence and prevent a Russian invasion in 2008.

Georgia has been experiencing rising unrest due to the authoritarian policies of the Dream Party.

The government has stated that recent policy changes are aimed at safeguarding the country from foreign interference and preventing a war like the one in Ukraine. Nevertheless, critics argue that recent developments in Tbilisi may suggest an effort to appease Putin-friendly policies.

On Sunday, EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos issued a joint statement condemning the Georgian government's decision to halt EU accession talks and expressed "serious concerns about the country's ongoing democratic regression."

The announcement signifies a change from the policies of all previous Georgian governments and the European aspirations of the majority of the Georgian people, as stipulated in the Constitution of Georgia.

Georgian authorities should respect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and refrain from using force against protesters, politicians, and media representatives, as urged by EU officials.

The U.S. similarly condemned the violence against the protesters and argued that suspending Georgia's EU accession goes against the promise to the Georgian people enshrined in their constitution to pursue full integration into the European Union and NATO.

The State Department stated on Sunday that Georgia's EU accession process suspension by Georgian Dream means the country has rejected closer ties with Europe, making it more vulnerable to Russian influence.

The Biden administration's comments were dismissed by Kobakhidze, who stated, "The outgoing administration is attempting to leave the new administration with a challenging legacy, particularly with regards to Ukraine and Georgia."

He stated that the outcome would not have a significant impact and that they would wait for the new administration to discuss everything with them.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.