Georgian Speaker Resigns as Protests Continue Over Russian Visit
Georgia’s parliamentary speaker Irakli Kobakhidze resigned on Friday, June 21, a day after protests that began over a Russian politician being allowed take Kobakhidze’s chair in parliament turned violent and left scores injured.
Activists had gathered in front of the parliament to condemn the decision to let Russian MP Sergei Gavrilov, seen as an ally of President Vladimir Putin and a supporter of separatists in the southern Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, to sit in the speaker’s chair “during an assembly of legislators from Orthodox Christian countries,” according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
This footage shows scenes from the second day of protests outside parliament on June 21, and the Secretary General of the ruling Dream party, Kakha Kaladze, announcing Kobakhidze’s resignation during a press conference. The former parliamentary speaker did not speak during the conference, but stood behind Kaladze during the announcement.
Protesters were continuing to call for the resignation of Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Gakharia. Credit: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty via Storyful
