Several arrests in protests against cruise ship carrying Russian tourists

Wednesday, 31 Jul, 2023 0

Nine people were arrested at the port of Batumi, Georgia after hours-long protests against a cruise ship carrying Russians.

The Astoria Grande cruise ship sailed from Sochi and was carrying several high profile pro-Russian media personalities.

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said the nine were arrested for going beyond freedom of expression and peaceful protests.

It escalated into physical confrontations between the police and protestors.

Ship passengers included TV personalities and musicians who have been vocal in support of Vladimir Putin.

The ship’s passengers needed a police escort into Tbilisi but there were reportedly further protests there.

A bus carrying the Russian guests was pelted by eggs and bottles according to local media.

Protests at the port continued all night.

It is the second time in a week the ship has docked at Batumi and met by protests.

The cruises are organized by a Turkish company and marketed to Russian guests.

The ship, which was previously a AIDA Cruises vessel until 2021, is registered in Palau and its owners are from the Seychelles so is not subject to sanctions.

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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

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