Georgian Interior Ministry Issues Statement Amid Clashes

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued a statement indicating that the protest held in Tbilisi violated the law on gatherings and demonstrations, and that proportional force will be applied against the protesters.

"The organizers of the protest have called for violence. They damaged the fence of the presidential palace on Atoneli Street and attempted to invade," the ministry stated.

Today’s local self-government elections were accompanied by protests. Protesters attempted to breach the presidential residence, leading to clashes between police and demonstrators, during which law enforcement used water cannons.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that protesters who attempted to assault the presidential palace have committed a criminal act. He added that after today’s unrest, foreign agents in Georgia will be fully neutralized. He noted that during the clashes, several police officers were injured, with one in serious condition.