Six oppositionists detained in Georgia

Today in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, two clashes happened of the opposition united into the "National Council" with the police. Oppositionists, while asserting that the authorities exert pressure on printing houses, tried to enter the sealed up building of the printing house "Tbilisilebi" aiming to take their propaganda literature, which was prepared for the local elections appointed on May 30.

Among those who tried to get into the building of the printing house, there were Zurab Nogaideli, leader of the movement "For Fair Georgia", Zviad Dzidziguri, leader of Conservative Party, and Koba Davitashvili, leader of the People's Party. The police tried to stop them, and the incident ended with a physical clash.

Later, the situation repeated in the area of Digomi, where oppositionists tried to block a highway in protest. As reported by activists of the "National Council", as a result of that clash six oppositionists were detained, including Alexander Shalamberidze, political secretary of the People's Party, the "News-Georgia" reports.

As stated by Mr Shalamberidze himself, he was transported to the City Court, where he will be administratively punished, the "Georgia-Online" reports.

The spokesperson of the press service of the movement "For Fair Georgia" said the following to the journalists: "Among the detainees there are three members of the Conservative Party, two - from our movement and one of the leaders of the People's Party... One of our activists - Nika Dzhavakhidze - was severely beaten."

According to her story, all the detainees were first brought to the narcology centre for examination; then, they were delivered to the Tbilisi central administrative board of the police, where they are now kept.

Currently, the highway is unblocked.

Oppositionists promise not to reduce their resistance. They have accused the authorities of a "provocation", and promised on April 9 to block the Rustaveli Avenue, the "Interpressnews" reports.