Tensions flared up at the ongoing rally near the Parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia on Tuesday (March 7) evening as special forces resorted to using water cannons to disperse the crowd. Despite repeated calls to remain calm and disperse, the protestors refused to budge. The protest, which started as a peaceful demonstration, turned violent as the protestors exceeded the limits of the law on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The police had been mobilized earlier in the day to ensure the peaceful conduct of the protest. However, after the plenary session in the evening, the protestors attempted to block one of the entrances to the Parliament, leading to incidents of violence against law enforcement officers. Several officers were injured, and police gear and equipment were damaged. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has called on all citizens, rally organizers, and participants to observe law and order and follow the rightful requests of the police. The ministry has also warned that it will take legal action in accordance with the acting legislation against any violators of the law.

The situation at the ongoing rally near the Parliament building became tense again. The special forces started dispersing the participants of the rally in front of the Parliament with water cannons.

"Citizens, we call you to be calm, the road will be freed in a little while," they addressed the participants of the rally.

Despite the call, the participants of the rally do not disperse.
The protest of the participants on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi near the parliament building exceeded the limits of the law on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and developed in a violent manner. Throughout the day, police were mobilized in front of the parliament building and ensured the peaceful conduct of the protest, MIA says.

"In the evening, after the plenary session, the participants of the rally attempted to block one of the entrances of the Parliament, which was prevented by police. At the same time, there were incidents involving violence against the employees of the Ministry, which included throwing various objects in the direction of the law enforcement officers. As a result of the violent actions of the rally participants, several law enforcement officers were injured, police gear and equipment were damaged as well. Despite numerous warnings of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, rally participants continued their violent actions, ignored police requests, due to which, police applied proportional force and special means within the frames of the law. The Ministry of Internal Affairs, as the Agency responsible for the protection of the rule of law once again calls on each citizen, rally organizers and participants to observe law and order and follow the rightful requests of police. The Ministry will make rapid response with regards to the facts of violation of the law and take legal action in accordance of the acting legislation," reads the statement.
Law enforcement officers arrested several participants of the rally near the Parliament. Special forces are still spraying water from the streets next to the Parliament in the direction of Rustaveli Avenue. They also use tear gas