Police release 15 protesters arrested at Batumi demonstration against Russian-organised sea cruise

Batumi City Court on Tuesday ruled to release 15 individuals from a group arrested for disobeying police at a protest against the arrival of a Russian-organised cruise in Georgia's Black Sea city of Batumi on Thursday.

The Court reviewed 15 cases out of 23 on the arrests made during the protest, before the protesters were released from detention.

The individuals arrested in the event accused law enforcement of using excessive force during the arrests, with the Special Investigation Service on Wednesday announcing an investigation into the claims.

The body said its inquiry was launched following a report from the Public Defender’s Office and the individuals in question, who alleged police officers had caused injuries during the arrests.

The protest followed the entry of the cruise ship Astoria Grande, which carried Russian citizens in a cruise organised by a Russian channel, in port of Batumi on Thursday. The demonstrations protested against the arrival of the vessel on the backdrop of Moscow’s ingoing aggression against Ukraine and occupation of two of Georgia’s regions.

Georgian law enforcement arrested 23 individuals during the protest in the city.