The Kremlin response has internationalized the crisis, which has already roiled Georgian politics over the ruling party’s perceived softness toward Russia.
Georgian Dream came to power promising never to use violence against protestors, as was common under the former government. Now, images of tear gas and rubber bullets have shaken Georgians.
An enforcer for former president Mikheil Saakashvili has established a new political party, pitching it to the substantial population of angry Georgians.
The homecoming has occasioned some controversy, as Azerbaijani authorities say the remains of the legendary Caucasus hero Hadji Murad were taken out of the country without their permission.
Migrants from other Soviet republics help Russia meet its workforce needs as the ethnic-Russian population declines. But paperwork is keeping many away.