In mid-April, the Georgian parliament in the capital Tbilisi had approved the bill in the first of three readings. This already led to violent street protests. Yesterday there was the second reading, and once again thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building.
Riot police were also present. She used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons to disperse the crowds in front of parliament. According to Georgian media, several people were injured, including MP Levan Khabeishvili. He is the chairman of the United National Movement, the main opposition party.
The Reuters news agency quotes eyewitnesses as saying how police physically attacked demonstrators. Journalists were also reportedly attacked, including a photographer from the French news agency AFP.
The demonstrators threw eggs and bottles at the police. They blocked traffic in front of parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi’s main thoroughfare, as well as on other major roads in the city.
Tags: Police Georgia tear gas demonstrators protesting controversial law
