On May 1, Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi witnessed a significant protest gathering, drawing participants from various regions who had organized with the support of local residents. It is reported that approximately 85,000 individuals converged on Rustaveli Avenue.
Meanwhile, inside the Georgian parliament, the second reading of a controversial bill was underway. Outside, protesters began to gather behind the parliament building, seeking to ensure their voices were heard by the deputies. Chants of “slaves,” “Russians,” “No to Russian Law,” and “No to Russian Government” echoed through the crowd. As the evening fell, police and special forces mobilized aggressively behind the parliament, dispersing the protesters and securing the area to facilitate the safe passage of deputies who had supported the bill.
Tensions escalated around 10 pm when riot police used pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons on demonstrators attempting to breach the heavily fortified doors of the parliament. Reports of the use of rubber bullets added to the chaos, resulting in injuries to several individuals, including a 16-year-old boy, two cameramen, and an opposition party leader. While the Interior Ministry denied that rubber bullets were used, videos from the rally suggest otherwise.
At the same time, part of the protest blocked the city’s left and right river banks, disrupting traffic.
REACTIONS:
Amid protests in Tbilisi, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, made a statement regarding the unfolding situation in Georgia. She expressed her concern about the protests in Tbilisi, Georgia, and condemned the violence occurring in the streets. She acknowledged the demonstrations as a display of the Georgian citizens’ strong commitment to democracy and urged the Georgian government to listen to this clear message from the people. Additionally, the President mentioned the European Union’s concerns regarding a law on foreign influence in Georgia.