2 dead, 37 hurt in Georgian anti-government protest

 A civilian and a police officer were killed and 37 others were injured Thursday during a protest hours before a military parade marking the 20th anniversary of Georgia's independence from the former Soviet Union.

Riot police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse about 1,000 anti-government protesters and detained 90 people during the melee, the Interior Ministry said.

A 54-year-old man and a police officer were struck and killed and several others injured by a rush of cars reportedly carrying leaders of the protest, including former parliament speaker Nino Burjanadze, as they left the scene, the ministry said.

"So there are two deaths. As of now 37 people remain in hospital, including eight policemen, 28 civilians and one journalist," said Shota Utiashvili, the ministry's information chief.

Utiashvili, who said none of the protest leaders were arrested, said those detained would face administrative punishment of up to two months in jail and charges for resisting police.

The parade went on as scheduled later Thursday after participants and spectators observed a one-minute silence for the two people killed earlier in the day.

Posted in: 2 dead,37 hurt in Georgian anti-government protest