Police clash with anti-government protesters in Georgia, opposition says several injured

Several said injured in Georgia clash

TBILISI, Georgia — Police armed with truncheons have beat opposition leaders during a protest in Georgia.

It appeared to be the most serious outbreak of violence in more than three weeks of demonstrations calling for President Mikhail Saakashvili’s resignation.

The opposition leaders went to police headquarters in Tbilisi on Wednesday to demand the release of jailed opposition supporters. An Interior Ministry official says the clash occurred when the leaders tried to break through a barrier outside the building.

TV footage showed at least two opposition leaders and several other people with blood on their bodies and clothing. The opposition says police fired rubber bullets, but Interior Ministry spokesman Shota Utiashvili says only truncheons were used. He said there were no arrests.