Abashidze Warns Protesters

Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze warned protesters gathered outside the Batumi University demanding Abashidze’s resignation that “provocation is anticipated against them [protesters].”

“I have information that certain forces will provoke clashes that will lead to bloodshed,” Abashidze said in a live broadcast on Adjara TV late on May 4, while addressing protesters.

Despite breaking up of a protest rally earlier on May 4, more than thousand people gathered late in the evening on May 4 outside the Batumi University demanding Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze’s resignation.

Speaking from the scene local newspaper Batumelebi’s correspondent Eter Suladze told Civil Georgia on the phone “around 1000-1500 protesters are rallying in Batumi and they vow to keep protesting till end.”

“But the situation is extremely tensed, as Abashidze’s security forces are mobilized all around the University building,” she added.

Earlier on Tuesday dozens of protesters were injured, after the security forces broke up a rally in Batumi and Kobuleti, a second largest town of Adjara.