Tensions rose near the Georgian Parliament in the late hours of April 20 as police forcibly removed demonstrators from Rustaveli Avenue to restore traffic flow after hours of disruption.
As eyewitnesses report, clashes broke out as protesters refused repeated police calls to free the roadway. Law enforcement responded with force, removing several individuals from the scene. While some were seen being taken away in patrol cars, it remains unclear how many were officially detained.
During the confrontation, chants of ‘slave, slave’ echoed from the crowd, underscoring the rising hostility between citizens and officers.
Following the clearance of Rustaveli Avenue, protesters regrouped and marched toward Leonidze Street in an attempt to block another roadway. However, police quickly intervened to prevent further disruption. Demonstrators also tried to block a pedestrian crossing, which led to escalated tension.
Police forces have since mobilized in large numbers around Freedom Square. InterpressNews reported that at least two protesters may have been detained during the confrontation, though this has yet to be confirmed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
