On November 7, 2007, the previous government committed a crime not only before people but also the whole country – Davit Zalkaliani, Foreign Minister of Georgia thus commented about November 7 developments in Tbilisi.

“I still remember the smell of the tear gas,” Zalkaliani said and also recalled that Levan Mikeladze, a Georgian diplomat and politician, who was Georgia’s Ambassador to Austria, to the United States and to Switzerland, quit his post in protest that day.

On November 7, the Georgian government violently dispersed the anti-governmental protest at Rustaveli Avenue using heavy-handed tactics, including tear gas and water cannon, unblocked Rustaveli Avenue, dislodged the protesters from the territory adjoining to the House of Parliament, and prevented the demonstrators from resuming the protests.

Also on November 7, riot police attacked Imedi TV while a news programme was being broadcast live on air. Police officers in masks and carrying assault rifles were seen sealing off the office. The broadcaster, which the then-government claimed was biased and pro-opposition, was subsequently switched off.