Photo story: Rally ends, after tense standoff

Things got tense following the day of peaceful protest of thousands of mostly young people protesting the police crackdown on their favorite music clubs. Nationalist hardliners, mobilized through social media have gathered on a counter-rally, decrying what they saw as anti-Georgian and decadent conduct of their opponents. They have voiced calls for violence and attempted, but failed to break through the police cordons. Following the discussion with the Minister of Interior, many of the peaceful protesters were bused home by the police, while some arrests were made among radicals.

Police keeps the line as hardliners march on Rustaveli Avenue, to confront the protesters.

Gathered across the street from the protesters, radicals scream insults.

Nationalists, who largely identify with Georgia’s conservative Orthodox congregation, light candles.

One of the leaders of radical groups detained after altercation with the police.

Radicals form the line at a counter-demonstration on May 13, 2018. Photo: Eana Korbezashvili / Civil.ge

Marching towards the rally with faces covered, apparently out of fear to be identified.

Marching towards the rally with faces covered, apparently out of fear to be identified.

Youth form majority on both sides of the line.

Confronting the police cordon.

Giving a salute.

Radicals push, but the police line holds.

Police cordons off the peaceful rally. Photo: Eana Korbezahvili for Civil.ge

Riot police was deployed, but saw no action.

Riot police stands still.

Municipal buses mobilised to separate the protesters and avoid the clash.

Tatoo in clerical script reads “Georgian”

One of the radicals detained.

Police try to reason with the counter-rally participant.

Protesters enter the parliament building to parley.

Buses leave, as peaceful rally ends.

Buses leave, as peaceful rally ends.

Minister of Interior Giorgi Gakharia heading to counter-rally participants.