Man Arrested After Car Drove Into Patriarchate Yard
A man was arrested after he drove a car into the courtyard of the Patriarchate of Georgia in downtown Tbilisi on May 20, the Interior Ministry confirmed to Civil.ge.
According to the ministry, an investigation has been launched into “property damage” under Article 187 of Georgia’s Criminal Code. The offense is punishable by a fine, 100 to 180 hours of community service, corrective labour for up to one year, house arrest for six months to two years, or imprisonment for one to five years.
Several media outlets reported in the late afternoon that a Toyota Prius with a taxi sign crashed through a barrier and forced open the gate of the Patriarchate. No injuries were reported. The driver detained by police at the scene is reportedly a middle-aged man.
Pro-government broadcaster Rustavi 2 released footage of the incident on May 21, filmed from what appears to be a fixed traffic camera overlooking the road. The video shows a white Toyota Prius moving in the opposite lane, before turning right, crossing into oncoming traffic, and sharply veering toward the Patriarchate gate.
The video then shows the car heading directly toward the closed metal entrance gate at high speed. Without stopping, the vehicle first crashes through the barrier arm and then forces the metal gates inward with the impact. The car continues moving forward, pushing through the damaged entrance as parts of the metal structure collapse and scatter onto the ground. After entering the courtyard, the car continues driving before crashing into another vehicle parked inside the courtyard.
Last Updated on May 21, 12:45 PM
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