Nine individuals were detained during a protest near the Babilo restaurant, as reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to GPB First Channel.
The detainees faced charges under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses for disobedience to lawful orders from law enforcement and for hooliganism.
The protest occurred near the Babilo restaurant, where a corporate event for judges was taking place. Protesters greeted arriving judges with shouts. Tensions escalated when some judges exited the venue, resulting in protesters shouting and throwing eggs at them. This confrontation led to verbal clashes and physical altercations, prompting law enforcement to intervene and detain several individuals.
Ultimately, the judges left the restaurant with the assistance of law enforcement, after which the protesters dispersed.
A confrontation between law enforcement officers and protesters occurred at the Batumi Police Headquarters, escalating into physical clashes.
According to the GPB First Channel journalist, tensions rose after four detainees, including one minor, were released. However, the arrest of another protester outside the headquarters sparked dissatisfaction among the crowd. Protesters demanded explanations from law enforcement regarding the arrests, leading to verbal altercations and eventually physical confrontations.
Among those initially released on the basis of written statements was Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder and director of the media organization Batumelebi. She was reportedly re-arrested during the ensuing confrontation.
The exact number of detainees remains unclear. Available reports indicate that those detained at the protest include Vazha Darchia, a Batumi City Council deputy and member of the Strong Georgia coalition, as well as Mate Tsenteradze, a member of the youth organization of the Gakharia for Georgia party, among others.
