'Occupiers Not Welcome': Anger With Russia Drives Ongoing Protests In Tbilisi
A protester in Tbilisi wears a gas mask in the early hours of June 22. Hundreds remained in the streets for a second night, following a larger and more violent protest on June 20 when police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons against the crowds.
On June 20, Russian State Duma Deputy Sergei Gavrilov sat in the Georgian parliamentary speaker's seat while addressing members of an international Orthodox Christian grouping. Gavrilov's appearance at the speaker's chair provoked a strong reaction in Georgia, where the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia are occupied by Russian forces. These protesters told RFE/RL photographer Amos Chapple: "People have come onto the streets because we are occupied by Russia. What happened on Thursday reminded everyone of this."
Anti-Russian sentiment was on display at the nighttime protest. This sign bears a slogan frequently used by antigovernment protesters in Russia: "Putin is a d***head."
Protesters hold signs referring to Russians as occupiers, a frequent reaction to Gavrilov's appearance in parliament. Georgians view Gavrilov as an ally of Putin and say he backs Russian support for the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
A protest sign directed at Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili. Protesters are demanding the resignation of high-level officials from his party, as well as punishment for law enforcement officials who used violence against the crowds. One of the protesters' demands was met when Parliamentary Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze resigned on June 21.
Policemen peer through a steel barrier set up in front of Georgia's parliament building. The clashes that broke out after protests in front of the building on June 20 left hundreds injured, including dozens of police officers.
Protesters display an anti-Putin slogan on a Ukrainian flag. Mariam Basharuli, holding a picture of Bidzina Ivanishvili, said the protesters are demanding the release of those detained during the first night of unrest. "We will stay here until our boys are released. So many of our friends were taken,” she said.
A large crowd carries a Georgian flag on June 21.
Security was heightened at the airport in Tbilisi as passengers disembarked in the early hours of June 22. Russian President Vladimir Putin has temporarily banned Russian airlines from flying to Georgia with a decree that takes effect on July 8.