Two arrested during confrontation at ex-Russian Embassy

Two people were arrested outside the former Russian Embassy building after a clash between two activist groups who were campaigning in support and against the Ukraine referendum. 

Eurasian Choice protesters expressed support to the referendum being held in Crimea, Ukraine, while activists from the Free Zone group demonstrated against the referendum, with the aim of supporting Ukraine’s independence. 

Today, residents of Crimea are taking part in a vote to decide if the peninsula would become a greater independent region or become part of the Russian Federation. 

The two protest groups clashed when Free Zone activists ripped the other group's banner, which was followed by a physical confrontation between the two parties. The clash lasted for some time as police officers tried to calm the situation. 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia said two people were arrested under Article 166 of the Criminal Code, which implied engagement in petty hooliganism. 

After the incident, the supporters of Ukraine moved in front of the Ukrainian Embassy building and stated they would not leave and would continue to support Ukraine and its independence, and stand against the referendum in Crimea.  

Members of the United National Movement party Giga Bokeria, Nugzar Tsiklauri and Giorgi Gabashvili took part in the demonstration. They believed Russia must stop occupying Ukrainian territory and immediately withdraw its troops from Crimea. 

Bokeria, the former head of the Security Council of Georgia said it was essential the public had a clear voice, as Russian aggression continued in the country. 

The referendum is currently happening in Crimea and voter turnout has reached 63.97 percent. The referendum will decide the fate of the Ukrainian peninsula and establish whether Crimea will become part of the Russian Federation of whether it will gain greater autonomy as an independent region.