Clashes between opposition and special task forces took place in Tbilisi today. The participants in a demonstration in Varketili have shut off a railtrack and stood in the way of a train, leading to a decision for special task forces to escort the train. After a short clash with demonstrators the track was re-opened.
Another clash took place in Tbilisi after the opposition attempted to hold a demonstration in the building of the Georgian Ministry for Internal Affairs, where a military parade in honor of Police Day was being held. The opposition is protesting against a decision to celebrate Police Day on May 6th, Saint George's Day in Georgia. As a result of the clash, several opposition leaders were injured, including Levan Gachechiladze.
The leaders of opposition have announced that protest demonstrations will continue in the evening, starting from Saakadze Square. From there, the demonstrators will head to the Central police headquarters, reports Georgia Online. Meanwhile, the old historic part of Tbilisi will host celebrations of the festival of Giorgoba, in which the president and top officials will participate.
President Mikheil Saakashvili said earlier that the Georgian police are depoliticized, and noted that " the police does not serve a president or ministry, but carries out its duties, imposed by law."
