Special Forces Confront Protesters on Rustaveli Avenue

photo © REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze

Employees of the Special Tasks Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, along with "robocops," are clearing Rustaveli Avenue of protesters. Tear gas is being used against them, and water cannon vehicles have been mobilized.

Masked employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are detaining citizens by force. According to the Mtavari Arkhi television company, lawyer Beka Basilaia is among those arrested.

Participants of the rally tell the media they will not disperse. They are attempting to build barricades using garbage cans, chairs, and other items.

The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, has directed the Ministry of Internal Affairs units not to raise their hands against citizens. According to her, nothing is happening in Rustaveli or in other cities that requires their involvement or raids.

"The responsibility lies solely with you and your leaders. They should also consider this," the president stated.

For the second day, citizens are protesting the Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend Georgia's European integration process until the end of 2028. Protests are also being held in the regions.

Georgian News
Georgian News
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