Demonstration against NATO Turned into Physical Controversy

Maka Malakmadze, Adjara

Former political prisoners organized demonstration against NATO in Europe Square in Batumi. The situation got tensed after members of the United National Movement arrived at the place and shouted “No Putin,” “Slaves of Russia”, “Traitors”. The demonstration finally turned into verbal and then physical controversy between NATO protesters and UNM members.

“It is PR campaign against NATO, which is ruled from Russia,” Nodar Dumbadze, chairman of the fraction United National Movement at Batumi City Council, said after the incident. 

Former political prisoner Merab Gorgadze claims the controversy was provoked by UNM members. “They came and shouted Putin, Putin. They are encouraged by impunity syndrome and provoke us.”

Patrol police was also mobilized on the place but they did not detain anybody as a result of controversy.