Thousands storm parliament over Russian MP’s speech

Protesters have attempted to storm Georgia’s parliament during a mass rally against a speech inside the chamber by a Russian lawmaker on Thursday.

Riot police stopped them from entering the building, reportedly using tear gas and rubber bullets.

Tensions flared up when Sergei Gavrilov addressed an assembly of lawmakers from orthodox christian countries from the seat of the speaker.

Russia and Georgia have fought over two breakaway Georgian regions.

Thursday’s protests left 39 police officers and 30 protesters in hospital with injuries.