The Ministry of Health of Georgia has reported the hospitalization of eight injured participants in a protest against the “foreign agents” law near the parliament, where a “red level” of security has been declared, according to “Echo of the Caucasus.”
The Ministry of Health statement said that the injured individuals have various types of injuries, including wounds to the face, head, and various parts of the body, as well as intoxication and respiratory complications.
The department clarified that one of them has already been discharged, while seven individuals, whose condition is satisfactory, remain under medical observation.
Meanwhile, at the protest site, assistance was provided to dozens of demonstrators and one police officer. The injured most commonly complained of headaches and burning sensation in the eyes.
At the same time, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, issued an order to strengthen security measures from 23:00 on May 1, according to “Echo of the Caucasus.” A statement from the legislative body’s press service stated that “due to the attack on the Georgian Parliament building, which poses a danger to the lives and health of individuals inside the palace, a ‘red level’ of security has been declared.”
The day before, special forces in Tbilisi used pepper spray and water cannons against protesters gathered on May 1 near the Georgian Parliament building. Protests against the adoption of the bill have been ongoing almost daily since April 15. Following the attempted crackdown on the protest on April 30, the Georgian Special Investigative Service initiated an investigation into the excessive use of force against participants in the peaceful protest.
