Georgia launches sweeping crackdown on dissent as opposition blocs boycott local election, in photos

+13 Georgia launches sweeping crackdown on dissent as opposition blocs boycott local election, in photos TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Police in Georgia used water cannons and pepper spray on Saturday to push back protesters who tried to storm the presidential palace, as the South Caucasus country held a municipal election boycotted by the main opposition blocs amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent.