Protests in Georgia escalate into clashes with police

According to Ukrinform, this was reported by Georgia Online.

Police forces began deploying water cannons against demonstrators near the presidential residence in Tbilisi. Loudspeakers were used to instruct protesters to leave the area.

It was reported that participants in the anti-government demonstrations attempted to storm the presidential palace. Some managed to break through into the inner courtyard. Several individuals were detained, and law enforcement used pepper spray.

As reported by News Georgia, 14 police officers were injured during the clashes with protesters near the presidential palace in Tbilisi. One officer is in critical condition. This was announced at a briefing by Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze.

Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, previously stated that “the state will respond very strictly to anyone who raises a hand against a police officer.”

As Ukrinform earlier reported, local elections are being held in Georgia today.

In July, eight opposition parties in Georgia announced their refusal to participate in the municipal elections scheduled for October.

Last November, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze declared that Georgia would withdraw from negotiations on joining the European Union and reject EU financial assistance until 2028.

Photo: Dato Shalikashvili/Facebook