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Car explosion in central Tbilisi (UPDATED)

5 October 2016

Updated, Wednesday, 5 October, 05.00 Tbilisi time; 01.00 GMT

In a statement just issued, Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated "What has happened this evening in Tbilisi is not only sabotage against the state, but also a provocation plotted by Georgia's enemies to instigate instability ahead of the elections. An investigation has already been launched and all necessary measures are being taken to arrest those responsible," he added.

"This grave crime can only be in the interest of a force, which is unable to make its peace with the free and peaceful electoral environment in our country. I want to tell plotters and executors of this provocation - you will definitely be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

"No immunity or foreign citizenship can protect those responsible - everyone will be held accountable," the PM said. "Once and for all, we will put an end to endangering people's lives for the purpose of political goals," he added.

Meanwhile reports from Tbilisi Health Ministry say that of the four passers by who were injured by the explosion, one is in serious condition.

Earlier, UNM officials visited the scene of the explosion and blamed the government for it.

 

Tuesday, 4  October, 23.30 Tbilisi time; 19.30GMT

An explosion in a car of an opposition member of parliament left four passers by injured and could be heard in several parts of the city. According to the website agenda.ge, the MP, Givi Targamadze of the United National Movement, and his driver were only slightly injured. Givi Targamadze told local media he was returning home from his office sitting in the front passenger seat when the explosion happened. The car was driven by the MP's driver. Both of had slight injuries while four passers-by were taken to hospital and are being treated for injuries.

Georgia's First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Besik Amiranashvili told local media on the site that an investigation had been launched and the police experts are working on the site.

This is the most serious incident during what otherwise has been a largely peaceful campaign ahead of parliamentary elections on Saturday. The United National Movement, currently Georgia's main opposition party is due to organise its final rally of the campaign close to the scene of the incident tomorrow afternoon.

 

 source: commonspace.eu with agencies

photo: The scene of a car explosion in Tbilisi (picture courtesy of agenda.ge)

 

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