Opposition rally resumes in Tbilisi amidst tensions, police clashes

The opposition has once again gathered at a rally on Chavchavadze Avenue in Tbilisi to protest against the recent election results.

The demonstration follows a morning clash with police officers, who had earlier pushed back the protesters from their encampment on the avenue, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

The opposition activists, who had established a tent city on Chavchavadze Avenue for the past two days, were confronted by law enforcement earlier today. The police action to disperse the protesters resulted in a brief scuffle, which led to the detention of 16 individuals.

After being forced off the avenue, the opposition groups regrouped on nearby Melikishvili Avenue, located below Chavchavadze. Throughout the day, the number of protesters continued to grow, and as evening approached, the police allowed demonstrators to march back towards Chavchavadze Avenue. They proceeded to the vicinity of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, where the rally continued into the night.

Opposition leader Giorgi Vashadze, addressing the crowd, announced that they planned to remain on Chavchavadze Avenue overnight. The ongoing protest has led to significant disruptions in the city, with traffic on Chavchavadze Avenue now blocked.

The opposition’s demands remain centered around the election results, which they claim were marred by irregularities and unfair practices.

By Vafa Guliyeva