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| Batumi braces for wave of protests. May 4. Photo: Batumelebi newspaper. |
Violent break up of peaceful demonstration, by Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze’s security forces earlier on May 4 triggered more protest rallies in Adjarian capital Batumi later on the same day, demanding Abashidze’s resignation.
Several thousand of people are gathered, outside the Batumi University chanting “Aslan Resign,” referring to the defiant Adjarian leader, who shows no sings of bowing President Saakashvili’s demand to disarm militias by May 12.
The largest protest rally ever held in Adjara follows violent disbanding of protesters earlier on May 4 by the security forces loyal to Abashidze; dozens of protesters were reportedly injured.
Speaking from the scene local newspaper Batumelebi’s correspondent Eter Suladze told Civil Georgia on the phone “more than 3,000 protesters are already rallying in Batumi and they vow to keep protesting till end.”
“The number of protesters is increasing each hour as more people join the rally,” Suladze said. “But the situation is extremely tensed, as Abashidze’s security forces are mobilized all around the University building,” she added.
Reports say simultaneous protest rally is also held in Kobuleti, second largest town of Adjarian Autonomy.
Aslan Abashidze warned protesters to stop rallying. Speaking live on Adjara TV late on May 4, Aslan Abashidze said, “provocation is anticipated against them [protesters].”
“I have information that certain forces will provoke clashes that will lead to bloodshed,” Abashidze said in a live broadcast on Adjara TV late on May 4, while addressing protesters.
Meanwhile, central authorities of Georgia are also mounting more pressure on Abashidze. Speaking live at Imedi television late on May 4 Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania said “only negotiable issue with Abashidze can by his resignation.”
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| Explosion of key bridges linking Adjara to the rest of Georgia on May 2 by Adjarian leadership re-escalated tensions between Tbilisi and Batumi. |
Earlier on May 4, the Georgian Parliament approved a harsh statement with 134 votes to 0, demanding from Head of Adjara Autonomous Republic Aslan Abashidze “unconditional resignation.”
International efforts are underway as well to solve the Adjara crisis. Prime Minister met on May 4 with the foreign diplomats accredited to Georgia to inform them regarding the recent developments in Adjara.
“We continue informing them [foreign diplomats] regarding the developments in Adjara, Georgian Foreign Minister Salome Zurabishvili told reporters before the meeting with diplomats.
Local observers in Adjara say that more protests are anticipated in the region as the discontent of the Adjarians towards Abashidze’s regime has increased in recent months.
“It seems that the local population is not afraid of force used by the local authorities any more,” Evgeni Tavdgiridze, Batumi-based correspondent of RFE/RL told Civil Georgia.
