Tensions escalate near Georgian presidential palace as clashes erupt in Tbilisi PHOTO / VIDEO/ UPDATED

Tbilisi has been gripped by unrest throughout Saturday evening as protests near the presidential palace escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.

According to NewsGeorgia, tensions remain high on Giorgi Atoneli Street, where protesters have been throwing objects and police have responded with tear gas and water cannons. Special forces extinguished burning barricades and began detaining participants.

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) reported that 14 police officers were injured during the riots, one of them in serious condition. Several protesters were detained, with Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze stating that further information would be made public later.

Earlier in the evening, demonstrators set fire to a barricade near the presidential residence. As Sputnik Georgia reported, the protesters had used benches, café furniture, and other items to block the street before setting them ablaze.

Footage from the scene shows special forces advancing in formation with shields as they pushed the crowd away from the palace. Loudspeakers were used to urge demonstrators to disperse. Several officers were reportedly injured during the clashes, while some protesters vandalised property at nearby street cafés on Orbeliani Square.

The situation grew increasingly volatile after a small group of protesters attacked a film crew from Imedi TV. The channel stated that both a journalist and a cameraman were assaulted, and their equipment was damaged during the altercation.

The Georgian Interior Ministry has condemned the violence, noting that the rally “went beyond the framework of the law on assemblies and demonstrations.” The statement said organisers had “called for violence, damaged the palace’s fences, and attempted to break inside.”

Witnesses told NewsGeorgia that several dozen protesters breached the courtyard of the presidential residence before being repelled by special forces using tear gas. Some participants were reportedly equipped with protective gear and bulletproof vests.

Hundreds of new demonstrators later arrived from Freedom Square to Atoneli Street, demanding “the keys to the presidential palace.”

The unrest was reportedly sparked by calls from Murtaz Zodelava, chairman of the political council of the United National Movement and former prosecutor general, who urged protesters to march on the residence. Another opposition figure, Paata Burchuladze, declared the current government illegitimate and called for a “peaceful transfer of power.”

Burchuladze also demanded the arrest of senior officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, State Security Service head Mamuka Mdinaradze, Deputy Speaker Thea Tsulukiani, Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, and Special State Protection Service chief Anzor Chubinidze.

Amid the escalating tensions, 70-year-old Burchuladze, founder of the “Rustaveli Avenue” platform, was hospitalised after feeling unwell during the rally. An emergency doctor reported “certain changes” in his condition, while Burchuladze himself stated that he is “going for a medical examination and will definitely return.” The hospitalisation came after disputes with some demonstrators, who expressed dissatisfaction with the organisers.

Earlier in the protest, Burchuladze had read out a “Declaration of the People’s Assembly,” calling the government illegitimate and demanding a “peaceful transfer of power,” without specifying to whom. Following Zodelava’s call, part of the demonstrators moved to the President’s residence, where unrest occurred. Special forces pushed the protesters away from Atoneli Street using tear gas and water cannons. At least 25 arrests have been reported. Several hundred protesters remain at both locations. Politicians from the organising committee are no longer addressing the crowds.

By Vugar Khalilov