TBILISI: Tensions flared on Saturday during the third day of an opposition street campaign in Georgia against President Mikheil Saakashvili with the authorities and protesters trading blame for a fight at the protest venue.

Opposition leaders said a 50-strong mob had attacked the venue, tearing banners and ripping out computer cables at a stage set up outside parliament as dozens of protesters prepared to spend a third night on the street.

Police, however, said protesters had set on street cleaners who arrived to clear the site of litter.