The riot police of Adjara Autonomous Republic stormed the market building in the center of Batumi early on September 1, in an attempt to disperse traders, who are protesting against the decision of local authorities to remove market and replace it in the suburb of the Adjarian capital.
Interior Minister of the Autonomous Republic Davit Glonti said that 9 policemen were injured as a result of the clashes between the market traders. Protesters still remain in the market building as police failed to disperse them.
Several protesters were reportedly wounded as well; however the exact number is not reported.
?Police was acting in frames of law,? Davit Glonti told reporters on September 1.
However, non-partisan opposition MP Koba Davitashvili accused the local law enforcers of ?excessive use of force? and demanded resignation of the police chief who was in charge of the operation.