Police Arrest Man Who Took Hostages in Tbilisi

Authorities in Tbilisi have arrested an individual who had taken hostages at a credit organization on Tsereteli Avenue.

According to RIA Novosti, this information was shared by the head of the police patrol service. He stated, “The operation has concluded successfully. All the hostages have been released, and the armed assailant has been arrested.” He also mentioned that the investigation is ongoing.

Earlier today, it was reported that the individual had entered the premises of the credit organization with a firearm and taken 10 people hostage. Subsequently, a Georgian TV channel released the assailant's video message, in which he demanded that the country’s parliament ban gambling and lower interest rates on loans, as well as increase pensions.

Negotiations between him and the police lasted several hours. According to some media reports, the man was not sober.