Protest Rally Disbanded in Batumi

Security forces broke up some 300 protesters in Adjarian Autonomy’s capital Batumi on April 30. Dozens of protesters were reportedly injured.

Speaking from the scene local newspaper Batumelebi’s correspondent Eter Suladze told Civil Georgia on the phone that the security forces armed with truncheons attacked the protesters, who demanded from Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze to release political prisoners.

“Police is attacking not only protesters but journalists as well. I’ve seen several protesters badly injured. Attackers seized my photo camera,” she said.

Incident would further fuel up tensions between Georgia’s central government and Adjarian leadership.