Protesters rallied in Georgia’s capital for a fourth straight night on Sunday and there were signs that opposition was spreading across the country to the government’s decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union.

Georgia, which has been criticized for using "excessive force" to crack down on anti-government protests, has become increasingly authoritarian, according to Western governments.

Thousands demonstrated in Tbilisi, Georgia, after the country said it had suspended its bid to join the European Union for four years. The police used tear gas and water cannons on protesters outside the Parliament building.

By Felix Light TBILISI (Reuters) -Facing condemnation from the United States and defiance from his own president, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze praised police on Sunday for cracking down on protesters who he said were acting on foreign orders to undermine the state.

The government’s decision to suspend its bid for European Union membership has driven thousands of protesters onto the streets.

Police chase and beat protesters in Tbilisi, Georgia, amid anger over the government's decision to suspend negotiations to join the European Union.