Georgian special police task forces on Thursday night dispersed the People’s Assembly protesters who were blocking the Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue.
Georgian special police task forces on Thursday night dispersed the People’s Assembly protesters who were blocking the Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue.
Photo: Policeman detains an opposition protester during clashes on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
Photo: Policeman detains an opposition protester during clashes on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
Police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets while dispersing the rally.
Opposition activists said that special police task forces were acting in a “ruthless and fierce way” using unjustified extreme force.
Georgian opposition leader and former parliament speaker Nino Burjanadze is quoted as saying that “even General Rodionov (he participated in the crackdown of protests in Tbilisi on April 9, 1989) did not act that way.”
Photo: Georgian opposition activist during clashes with police on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi
Photo: Georgian opposition activist during clashes with police on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi
On Thursday, an official military parade to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Independence Day is to take place in Tbilisi.
Photo: Police officers removing an injured person during the riots on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
Photo: Police officers removing an injured person during the riots on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
The People's Assembly opposition party had permission for protests until midnight. However, the opposition leaders called on the protesters to stay. Prior to police task forces’ actions, the Mayor’s Office informed the protesters again that their requested time for their event had expired, and asked them to move out and choose a different location for their rally.
Photo: Georgian special police task force.
Photo: Georgian special police task force.
The protesters were pushed towards Freedom Square, several hundred meters from the Parliament building.
Opposition activists who continued to argue with the police officers were beaten.
Photo: Georgian opposition protesters stand against the special police task force during riots on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
Photo: Georgian opposition protesters stand against the special police task force during riots on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
Special police vehicles took part in suppressing the riots on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
News agencies have reported two people killed on Freedom Square after being run over by an opposition leader’s car while fleeing the scene.
The Georgian Interior Ministry reports 37 people (including 8 policemen) were admitted to hospitals. One woman and one journalist are reported to be among the injured.
Photo: Participant of the protest during clashes on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
Photo: Participant of the protest during clashes on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
