Police detain five as Russian-encouraged demonstrators and rival groups clash in Tbilisi

Police have detained five individuals and later released them after the participants of the  Russian-encouraged Immortal Regiment march- held over May 9 to commemorate the victory of the Soviet Union against Nazi Germany-and their opposers clashed near Vake Park in central Tbilisi earlier today.

• Georgia marks 74th anniversary of victory over fascism

Groups opposing the immortal regiment’s march stated that they will never tolerate the occupation of the two occupied regions of Georgia Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) by Russia.

Georgian Vice Parliament Speaker Tamar Chugoshvili has reacted to the rally, stating that Russia is an occupant state and she is disappointed when people in the country think differently.

However, she added that the freedom of expression is protected in Georgia.