Georgian Interior Ministry says around 20 protesters detained on Rustaveli Avenue

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia on Wednesday said about 20 participants of a protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi had been detained under administrative procedure for attempting to block the road illegally.

The body added that around 8 p.m., several demonstrators tried to block traffic despite multiple warnings from patrol police officers.

“Although officers repeatedly urged the protesters not to commit unlawful acts, as their number did not justify blocking the roadway under the law, they ignored police instructions. As a result, about 20 individuals who directly participated in the illegal attempt to block the road were detained administratively,” the Ministry said.

The body also said a young woman who climbed onto a patrol police car and verbally insulted police officers and the public was arrested on charges of hooliganism.

The Ministry reiterated its call for protesters to refrain from illegally blocking the road or committing criminal offences, warning that any violations would be met with measures prescribed by law.