Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has responded to the current developments in Zugdidi by addressing different political parties and representatives of media outlets.
"I want to remind political parties that when people's lives are under threat, with law enforcement officers trying to ease the tension so that no lives are claimed, the intentional escalation of the situation is inadmissible, for this makes police officers task more challenging and reduces hostages' chance to be freed.
I also appeal to media outlets to take account of law enforcement officers' requests and provide the public with updated information without thwarting the police in carrying out operational activities," Zurabishvili's statement reads.
An armed man broke into the Bank of Georgia and took hostages on Gamsakhurdia street in the Zugdidi municipality earlier today. The hostage-taker demanded USD 500,000 in cash and security guarantees.
A special operation was launched a couple of hours ago and is still in progress.
Hostage negotiations resulted in three victims' freedom. Sixteen are still being held hostage inside the building of the Bank of Georgia.