Armed Individual Breaks into Microfinance Organization in Tbilisi, Takes 9 Hostage

Police are mobilized in a microfinance organization on Tsereteli Avenue, Tbilisi. Based on the preliminary information, an armed person broke into the office and took 9 people hostage. The attacker's demands are unknown at this stage. 

As soon as the report was received, the police cordoned off the perimeter. At this moment, mobilized law enforcement officers are taking operative and investigative measures.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs calls on media representatives to observe the established safety norms, and to abstain from covering the ongoing events and disseminating unverified information.

An investigation is in progress on the fact of illegal purchase, keeping and carrying of firearms and ammunition and on the fact of armed robbery, crimes envisaged under article 236 and 179 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

By Ana Dumbadze