27 people, including 12 locals and 15 special task force officers, have been injured in the clash in Pankisi Gorge, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

“As far as you know, the construction of a 5-megawatt Hydro Power Plant resumed in Pankisi Gorge today. Police were mobilized since morning to protect the safety and public order. A group of local population resisted the police officers and threw them stones and sticks. Police equipment is damaged and several police employees and protesters have been injured. The police were forced to use special means permitted by law to prevent escalation of the situation.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs calls on everyone to obey police requirements. Otherwise, the police will strictly follow the law. If necessary, special means will be used.

According to our information, an emergency medical care was provided to 27 persons, including 12 locals and 15 special task force officers. 8 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were hospitalized after being injured,” Mamuka Chelidze, Deputy Director of Central Criminal Police Department of the Interior Ministry said at a briefing on Sunday.