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

Night after night, Georgians have filled the broad central avenue that runs past parliament, in such great numbers there is barely space to move, on the road or the pavement either side. They come to Rustaveli Avenue draped in flags,

If brutish local police were Georgia’s only threat, pro-European protesters might be on solid ground. Speaking to your columnist from Tbilisi, demonstrators described a city in a febrile, daring mood since the ruling Georgian Dream party,

Kremlin propagandists claim that the West drives the anti-government protests in Georgia. This is the familiar narrative from the Russian Federation, suggesting that the people have taken to the streets because Georgia is moving toward the European Union,

Protests erupt in Georgia after pro-Putin Dream Party leader stalls talks to join the EU over claims of foreign interference in country. (Credit: AP)