Georgian opposition protests continue

The opposition protest rally that started on May 21 in front of Public Television building continues in Georgia. Protesters call for the immediate resignation of President Saakashvili.

http://www.vesti.ru reports that many of those protesting have not been able to find job and get out of poverty. Statistical data, quoted by Vesti news report, states that two thirds of the Georgian population live below poverty line. “The prices are incredibly high. Pension money is enough for just a couple of days. On the third days everything is gone.
The medications, I am buying, are of very poor quality. It is unbearable”, said an outraged Tbilisi resident.

There are many young people among the protesters.

Opposition activists set up a small tent camp, http://www.vesti.ru reports. People are basking near bonfires, burning trash, getting water and bread from the trucks.

Demonstrators are getting plastic sticks for self-defense – several attacks on protestors have been registered already.

The situation in Tbilisi might get worse on the eve of May 26, if the People’s Assembly opposition group, whose request for a meeting submitted to the Mayor’s office expires on May 25, keeps protesting, “Novosti-Georgia” news agency reports. Photo: Members of the People's Assembly opposition movement are blocking Kostava avenue near the Public television building in downtown Tbilisi.

Georgian opposition leader and former parliament speaker Nino Burjanadze promised to gather her supporters on Freedom Square in downtown Tbilisi on the eve of May 26 Independence day’s parade in order “not to let authorities hold a parade peacefully”. Georgian authorities promised not to cancel the military parade. Photo: Activists of the opposition People's Assembly movement keep protesting near the Public Television building