Police Clash with Protesters

Police armed with batons clashed with protesters after demonstrators pushed the police cordon attempting to block the Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, Rustaveli Avenue, in front of the Parliament.

After about 20-minute long scuffle protesters pushed the police away from the area and blocked the Rustaveli Avenue. Several people were injured, including an opposition lawmaker Levan Gachechiladze.

The incident was aired live by Mze, Rustavi 2 and Imedi television stations.

Meanwhile, an influential lawmaker from the ruling party Giga Bokeria said the police acted in frames of law. ?It is an attempt [by protesters] to illegally block the street. They have an opportunity to continue rally without blocking the street,? he said.