13 Protesters Injured as Police Closes Down Market in Batumi

13 protesters are reportedly injured and several others arrested after 500-strong unit of the riot police stormed the building of the central market in Adjara Autonomous Republic capital Batumi and dispersed traders early on September 2.

The traders were protesting against the decision of the local authorities to relocate the market into the suburb of the city.

This was a second attempt of the police to break up the rally. On September 1 local riot police failed to seize the market building. Adjarian Interior Ministry reported that 9 policemen were injured as a result of clashes with the protesters.

Independent opposition MP Koba Davitashvili, who condemned breaking up of the rally, accused the police of ?excessive use of force? and said that several protesters were ?brutally beaten up by the police.?