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Twenty-seven people were injured when police confronted protesters outside Georgia's presidential palace in Tbilisi on Saturday following local elections that opposition parties say they do not recognize.
Twenty-one police officers and six demonstrators were injured in the clashes, according to Georgia's Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories of Georgia, Labor, Health and Social Affairs.
Police used water cannons and pepper spray after protesters breached barricades and threw stones, pyrotechnic devices and water bottles at officers stationed outside the building.
The confrontation occurred after thousands gathered at Freedom Square following local elections held Oct. 4. United National Movement party representative Murtaz Zodelava told demonstrators to "seize" the presidential palace.
Protesters then marched to the presidential building and attempted to enter.
Police intervened when barricades were breached.
After the initial confrontation, protesters regrouped at Freedom Square. Clashes also occurred at Orbeliani Square.
Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said protesters were attempting to overthrow the government.
"Everyone who resorts to illegal means to overthrow the government will receive a harsh response from the state," Kobakhidze said, adding, "The law will be very harsh."
Georgian opera singer Paata Burchuladze, one of the protest organizers, told the crowd they no longer recognize the government.
He said they had organized a "National Council" meeting and read an "October 4 National Council Declaration."
Burchuladze said high-level government officials should be handed over to justice by the people.
Several opposition parties have stated that they do not recognize the Oct. 4 local elections as legitimate.
The same parties also do not recognize the 2024 parliamentary and presidential elections.
Exit polls from leading Georgian television channels showed the ruling Georgian Dream party received the most votes after voting ended at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Kobakhidze announced that his party had won the election during an event at party headquarters.
A party statement said they achieved victory in all municipalities.
The opposition is boycotting the local elections.
The United National Movement party, founded by former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently in jail and on trial, was among the opposition groups organizing the demonstration.
Tens of thousands of protesters carrying Georgian and EU flags marched in central Tbilisi.
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