Clashes erupt in Tbilisi, Georgia as protesters block roads, several detained VIDEO/UPDATED

Tensions escalated in Tbilisi on February 2 as clashes broke out between protesters and law enforcement, resulting in multiple detentions. 

The demonstration, which began peacefully near Tbilisi Mall, later led to a partial blockade of a major road before police intervened to disperse the crowd, Caliber.Az reports, citing media sources.

Earlier in the afternoon, several hundred protesters gathered outside Tbilisi Mall, where they voiced anti-government slogans. The demonstration remained peaceful at first, with participants primarily stationed near the mall’s main entrance. Opposition representatives were also present.

In anticipation of possible disruptions, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a statement earlier in the day, warning that blocking the entrance to Tbilisi—a strategic international road—could result in criminal charges. Despite the ongoing demonstration, the shopping center continued to operate as usual.

As the protest gained momentum, demonstrators began marching along the roadway, partially obstructing traffic leading out of the capital. According to a TASS correspondent, police units were deployed near the shopping center, closely monitoring the situation. At this stage, no confrontations had occurred, though protesters intermittently chanted anti-government slogans.

By the evening, tensions escalated as police moved in to clear the roadway. Clashes erupted between law enforcement and protesters, with officers detaining multiple individuals, Sputnik Georgia reported.

Authorities managed to push demonstrators off the road, reopening only one lane for traffic. However, opposition supporters continued to resist, attempting to reoccupy the blocked roadway, leading to further confrontations.

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Protesters are gathering near the Tbilisi Mall shopping center to block the northern entrance to the Georgian capital. 

The number of protesters is currently small, but marches are starting from various parts of the city, with protesters walking to the mall, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Police units are stationed near the shopping center, and tow trucks and fire trucks can be seen in the area. Patrol officers, along with personnel from the criminal department, are on duty near Tbilisi Mall. Sputnik Georgia is also reporting on the situation in the capital.

"Here, government opponents plan to block the entry and exit to Tbilisi, demanding new elections and the release of detained protesters," Sputnik Georgia reports. 

On January 31, the Georgian government made changes to the legislation, adding roads of international and domestic significance to the list of strategic objects. The authorities claim that blocking the road near Tbilisi Mall falls under Article 222 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (seizing or blocking broadcasting or communication facilities), which prescribes a penalty of corrective labour or imprisonment for up to two years. If the same act is committed by a group of individuals or repeatedly, the penalties are increased to up to four years of imprisonment.

By Naila Huseynova