WORLD BRIEFING / GEORGIA
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Authorities released three protesters in an effort to defuse a wave of unrest that erupted into violence when officers clashed with demonstrators clamoring for the resignation of President Mikheil Saakashvili.
Weeks of peaceful protests turned ugly Wednesday, a day after Saakashvili was forced to back off claims that he had suppressed a Moscow-backed coup attempt.
Police with truncheons tried to beat back stick-wielding demonstrators, arresting three. Opposition supporters said dozens were injured.
Authorities freed the three protesters, citing an appeal from the Orthodox Church.
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