Kakha Kaladze: There was no violence, but an attempt of provocation - if the Ministry of Internal Affairs suspects any physical abuse, investigation should launch

The Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze states that if the Ministry of Internal Affairs deems yesterday's incident as physical abuse then the investigation should be launched; however, he maintains that it didn't happen.

As Kaladze told the reporters, the provocateurs wanted to derange an important event but failed to do so. In response to the ripped t-shirt of one of the protesters, Kaladze said that "perhaps, he tore it himself since he failed the provocation."

"There was no violence, as I said yesterday. I know well what the footage shows, we all have both eyes, we hence see clearly that no physical violence took place. There were two provocateurs intending to start a broil and a provocation in order to derange an important event - the opening of a recreational zone project - however, they failed their attempt. They weren't allowed to provocate and were forced to leave the territory", - stressed Kaladze.

With regards to the filed complaint against him, Kaladze responded that it was their right to do so.

"If the Ministry of Internal Affairs deems the yesterday's incident as physical abuse then the investigation should be launched; however, that it didn't happen. Perhaps, he tore his t-shirt himself since he failed the provocation. Hence, I would like to gift him another one which he'll use it well. This is an interesting t-shirt", - stated Kaladze while presenting the t-shirt with a picture of the protester in question being photographed with Mikheil Saakashvili.

For the record, a confrontation took place between the Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze, and civil activists later yesterday in Varketili, Tbilisi. The Mayor was attending the opening of the newly renovated park alongside with the members of Municipal Assembly. Once Kaladze arrived on site he was encountered with the champions of "Anas bagi" and the members of the"Change" movement. According to the protesters, although their intention was to ask questions to the Mayor about the Dighomi groves, they were punched by him. One protester claimed that Kaladze ripped his t-shirt.

The activists filed a complaint to the police against Kakha Kaladze.