hurling

Some of those called to battle with rioters hurling missiles and damaging police vehicles had also been called to the aftermath of the massacre on 29 July.

Another show protesters hurling objects such as traffic cones at groups of retreating police; and officers tackling and detaining people while beating them with batons.

It was a key battleground during the 2019 demonstrations that saw protesters battling police on the streets, hurling projectiles against tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets.

Kobakhidze has also lashed out at European politicians for "hurling a cascade of insults" at the Georgian government.

The 68-year-old was known for his political theatrics - one of his signature moves involved hurling bananas as a sign of protest.