Demonstrators have blocked a major road in the Georgian capital and pitched two tents near Tbilisi State University in protest over the imprisonment of 21-year-old Mate Devidze.
The protesters gathered on Chavchavadze Avenue near the university’s main building, blocking traffic from Varaziskhevi towards Melikishvili Avenue.
Devidze was sentenced to four years and six months in prison after being convicted of assaulting a police officer. A Tbilisi city court judge handed down the sentence earlier today.
The demonstration began at the Tbilisi Concert Hall, which protesters said was symbolic as Devidze was arrested there on 19 November. The group then moved to the university area.
Protesters chanted “Down with Ivanishvili’s regime” and “Down with the unjust court system.”
Law enforcement officers have been deployed to the scene. Members of the youth wing of the opposition United National Movement party are among the demonstrators.
