Georgian Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia expressed his readiness to negotiate with the organisers of the protest in Tbilisi. Meanwhile, lots and lots of security forces have been drawn up to the centre of the city, Georgian media report.
“Of course, the police will do everything to ensure both the safety of our citizens and the freedom of expression. If people have any questions after the event held on Friday, I am ready to meet with the organisers and give frank and plain answers to all questions, since we are well aware of the importance of the safety of our citizens and the freedom of expression,” Gakharia said.
On Sunday evening, there was an unprecedented number of riot policemen in Rustaveli Avenue. Water cannons were also spotted.
Overnight into May 12, the police conducted an anti-drug raid in three night clubs in Tbilisi. Eight persons were arrested and accused of selling drugs. In addition, the police detained about 70 visitors – for alleged hooliganism and disobedience to law enforcement agencies. In turn, the detainees blamed them for the excessive use of force. The incident triggered a wave of outrage among the Georgian youth. On Saturday afternoon, several thousand protesters gathered near the Georgian parliament. They paralysed traffic in downtown Tbilisi.
The protest was initiated by the civil movement White Noise which, among other things, advocates for the legalization of soft drugs. They are demanding the resignation of the Interior Minister and public policy reform in the drugs field.
In addition, on Sunday opponents of the White Noise – representatives of the Young National Alliance of Georgia and the neo-Nazi group National Union of Georgia – took to the street. As a result, the police cordoned off the area near the parliament. Not to let clashes happen, they separated the ‘noisers’ from the two other groups. The situation is still tense; the protesters keep turning on each other and the police.
belsat.eu, following newsgeorgia.ge
