Scuffles erupt between media representatives, police in Tbilisi

Tensions flared in Tbilisi as scuffles broke out between protesters, mainly media representatives and police during a demonstration in support of Mzia Amaglobeli, a media manager who was last month arrested for assaulting a police officer and has been on hunger strike for 24 days.

Civil activists and journalists initially gathered at the rear entrance of Parliament, chanting, “Freedom, Mzia Amaglobeli.” The demonstration then moved towards April 9 Street, where police attempted to restrict their movement.

Journalists present at the protest said that they had no intention of blocking the road and only wished to continue their demonstration. After initial discussions, police allowed them to proceed on the sidewalk. However, within minutes, the situation escalated as officers refused to let journalists remain on the sidewalk, prompting the media representatives to relocate in front of Parliament.

During the protest, police removed two individuals from the area. Law enforcement officers remain heavily deployed around the Parliament, with a strong presence on adjacent streets and in the square behind the building.

Amaglobeli was arrested in Batumi, western Georgia, on January 11 during protests against the Government’s decision last year to halt EU integration until 2028.

Her lawyers claim a police official insulted her during the arrest and later Amaglobeli slapped her, which they claim is not a criminal offence and no one in the country had been convicted with the charge.