OREANDA-NEWS The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has released a statement regarding the recent protests in front of the Parliament building in Tbilisi. The statement notes that the protests have become violent, with special forces and police using water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.

The area around the Parliament has been completely occupied by police and members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs' special forces. Law enforcement officers are continuing to push back protesters from Rustaveli Avenue and are detaining those who refuse to leave.