Georgian authorities arrest protester following knife assault on officer VIDEO

An 18-year-old protester in Tbilisi has been arrested for allegedly attacking a police officer with a knife during a rally on Rustaveli Avenue, Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs announced in a statement shared on Facebook.

The incident took place on November 30 when the suspect reportedly assaulted the officer with the intent to inflict bodily harm, Caliber.Az reports.

Authorities have launched an investigation under Article 353 of Georgia's Criminal Code, which stipulates penalties of up to seven years in prison for such offences.

In the statement, the ministry also hinted at further developments in the case, noting that additional arrests are anticipated.

“All criminal acts committed by aggressive groups are being investigated under Articles 187 and 353 of the Criminal Code of Georgia,” the ministry said.

Moreover, as many as fifteen individuals were arrested during protests in Tbilisi, including one detained on suspicion of carrying out an explosion, the ministry confirmed.

Seven of those detained are being investigated under charges of property damage and assaulting police officers, while another seven face charges related to organizing or participating in group violence and incitement to violence.

Authorities have stated that all criminal activities related to the protests are under investigation.

To recap, thousands of protesters gathered outside Georgia's parliament in Tbilisi for the seventh consecutive night on November 4, demonstrating against the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to suspend European Union accession talks. Clashes intensified as police used tear gas to disperse crowds, while protesters threw fireworks at officers.

Opposition member Tamar Kordzaia condemned the actions of law enforcement, stating that the more force used, the angrier people became.

The protests have resulted in dozens of injuries, with riot police deploying water cannon and tear gas. The Ministry of Labour, Health, and Social Affairs reported 26 injuries, including 23 protesters and 3 officers.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused opposition groups of orchestrating the violence.

 By Aghakazim Guliyev