Hundreds of demonstrators marched to the parliament on Saturday evening, and then more people gathered there, advocating for European integration and against the ruling party "Georgian Dream." A group of protesters decided to storm the president's residence.
According to Paper Kartuli, some people managed to break into the inner courtyard. There are detainees. Special forces used pepper spray.
Local media also report that additional Ministry of Internal Affairs forces began mobilizing near the residence. The agency released a statement following the protesters' attempt to enter the presidential palace grounds. "The rally went beyond the assembly and demonstration permitted by law. Organizers called for violence. We urge all participants to comply with the lawful demands of the police and to avoid escalation. Otherwise, law enforcement will take measures provided by law," the statement said.
Later, Georgian special forces deployed water cannons near the Presidential Palace.
Today, municipal elections took place in the country. They are being boycotted by several major opposition parties. Former President Salome Zurabishvili, who announced protests on election day, criticized the attempt to seize the presidential palace.
Photo: Paper Kartuli