Interior Ministry launches investigation into violent incident near Metekhi Bridge

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has launched an investigation into an incident near Metekhi Bridge in the capital city of Tbilisi under Article 126 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to group violence.

The Ministry said earlier today a report was received through the 112 emergency hotline about a confrontation among citizens near the Metekhi Bridge area.

Police officers were dispatched to the scene shortly after the call. Preliminary information indicates that a minor altercation broke out between members of the opposition United National Movement and clergymen of Metekhi Church. Bystanders reportedly intervened in support of the clergymen, escalating the verbal dispute into a physical confrontation.

The Ministry said that several people, including both UNM members and other individuals involved, sustained injuries during the clash.

Authorities noted that several participants had already been identified and were being questioned. The Ministry pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.