Around 15,000 protesters gathered on May 5 in the Adjarian capital Batumi demanding Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze�s resignation.

�It is the largest rally ever held in Adjara. More than 15,000 protesters are gathered outside the Batumi University and more people are joining rally,� Batumi-based correspondent of the RFE/RL Evgeni Tavdgiridze speaking from the scene by phone told Civil Georgia.

Security forces loyal to Abashidze dispersed much smaller rally on May 4 that sparked major protests later on the same day.

�It is less possible that Aslan Abashidze will use force against such a huge protest rally,� Evgeni Tavdgiridze added.