Opposition, Local Authorities Clash in Adjara

The local authorities of the Adjarian Autonomous Republic foiled today protest rally of the National Movement opposition party, causing clash between the police and the protesters.

One of the leaders of the National Movement MP Koba Davitashvili was beaten up as a result of the clash.

The National Movement intended to hold a protest rally in capital city of Adjara Batumi, in front of the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic with the slogan “Adjara without Abashidze [head of the Autonomous Republic].” The National Movement accuses Aslan Abashidze of dictatorial rule in the region.

Reports say that the office of National Movement was attacked in Batumi allegedly by the supporters of the Aslan Abashidze’s party Revival Union, destroying the equipment in the office.

The interior troops and police are on high alert in the Autonomous Republic, patrolling streets of Batumi.

Earlier today the activists of the National Movement were blocked at the Choloki checkpoint, which divides Adjarian Autonomous Republic from the rest of Georgia.

Member of the National Movement Davit Berdzenishvili will run for MP in Batumi single-mandate constituency and will compete with Jemal Gogitidze, one of the leaders of the Abashidze’s party Revival Union.

On October 22 Jemal Gogitidze vowed in the live interview to the Rustavi 2 TV channel that the local authorities of Adjara will not prevent the National Movement’s protest rally in Batumi.