According to Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, the organizers and participants of today’s protest in Tbilisi committed illegal actions, prompting an investigation under four articles of the Criminal Code. These include assault on police officers, calls for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order or the government, damage or destruction of property, organizing or participating in group violence, and attempts to seize or block strategic or high-importance facilities.
At a briefing held at the ministry, Darakhvelidze stated that, according to current data, 14 officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were injured. He confirmed that several individuals had been detained during the protest but said that more detailed information would be released soon.
“In connection with the unlawful and violent actions carried out by the organizers and participants of the protest in Tbilisi, an investigation has been launched under Articles 317, 187, 222, and 225 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concern assault on a police officer, calls for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order or government, damage or destruction of property, organizing, leading, or participating in group violence, and attempts to seize or block a strategic or special-importance facility.
We would like to provide the public with detailed information about the events that unfolded during the protest. Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to express their protest peacefully and continue their demonstration.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs also issued multiple calls to participants to ensure that the gathering remained peaceful and within the bounds of the law. Despite these repeated warnings and official statements, protesters failed to comply with lawful police orders.
The protest went beyond the legal framework of peaceful assembly and manifestation. Organizers voiced violent rhetoric, damaged the barriers surrounding the Presidential Palace on Atoneli Street, and attempted to break into the building. Incidents of violence were recorded.
As a result of these illegal and violent actions, including the throwing of various objects at law enforcement officers, 14 Ministry of Internal Affairs employees have been injured so far. The injured officers sustained various types of bodily harm, with one of them currently in serious condition. Updates on their health will be provided periodically.
To restore public order at the scene, the Ministry of Internal Affairs used special means as permitted by law.
We emphasize that law enforcement officers will carry out all necessary procedural and investigative actions to identify and detain all individuals who committed unlawful acts.
Once again, we strictly call on all participants of the protest to comply with police orders and avoid artificially escalating the situation. Otherwise, law enforcement officers will use all appropriate measures as provided by law,” Darakhvelidze stated.
