Opposition in Georgia Protests, Participants Set Up Tents on Tbilisi's Main Avenue

The central avenue of Tbilisi, Rustaveli, is closed. The opposition is holding a protest due to the arrest of Nika Melia, the leader of the United National Movement, according to Sputnik Georgia.

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in front of the government building and marched to Rustaveli Avenue, not far from the parliament. “We have come near the parliament building, where the main evil lies – the one-party parliament,” said opposition leader Gigi Ugulava.

Activists have set up two large tents near the parliament building, indicating they do not intend to halt their protests until authorities meet their demands for the release of Nika Melia and the scheduling of early elections in parliament. Previously, the opposition had announced a large rally for February 26.