During the meeting of united opposition in front of Georgia's parliament
Photo: Valery Melnikov
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Georgia Declared Emergency for 15 Days
Georgia has declared the state of emergency for 15 days, said Economic Development Minister Georgy Arveladze. All independent TV news programs will be stopped, but the Public TV will continue its work.
The rallies of the opposition in Tbilisi started November 2. The demands were parliamentary elections in dates stipulated by the constitution and resignation of President Mikhail Saakashvili.
On November 7, Saakashvili cracked down on protesters by sending the riot police that used tear gas and water cannons. The number of victims was roughly 360. In the next effort, the president declared the state of emergency in the country.
Also on November 7, the riot police stormed and gained control over the main opposition TV channel in Georgia, Imedi. In addition to Imedi, Caucasia TV Company was taken off air.
Meanwhile, the rallies started in Georgia’s biggest cities with people calling on authorities to stop using weapons against peaceful demonstrators.
Saakashvili, who is now sorting out the worst crisis since the protestors brought him to power in 2003, blamed the current rallies on Russia, claiming that exactly Russia had arranged and funded the disorder. A few Russian diplomats were promptly declared persona non grata in Georgia.
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