The Public Defender calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia not to use special means and disproportionate force against the peaceful participants of the gathering, and calls on the participants in the gathering not to go beyond the legal framework, - this is stated in the statement of the newly elected Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani.
"The Public Defender of Georgia echoes the ongoing protest action in front of the Parliament of Georgia and explains that gathering and demonstration is a fundamental human right guaranteed by the constitution, which is one of the necessary prerequisites for the existence of a free and democratic society and its development.
Only in the event that the action becomes violent and/or illegal, the authorities should stop the assembly only as a last resort, and the use of force must meet the strict test of necessity and proportionality.
Proportionate use of coercive measures by the police, including active special means (special batons, tear gas, acoustic means, rubber bullets, water jets, etc.) is allowed to achieve a legal goal, within the scope of the necessity of the effective means. In addition, it is mandatory to warn the participants of the action in advance and to give them a reasonable time to fulfill the legal requirements. The type and intensity of coercive measures should be determined taking into account the specific situation, the nature of the offense and the individual characteristics of the offender. It is important that law enforcement officers try to keep the damage to a minimum and proportionate. It should be noted that the use of such means that cause severe mutilation is prohibited.
The Public Defender urges the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia not to use special means and disproportionate force against the peaceful participants of the gathering, and urges the participants in the gathering not to go beyond the legal framework," - the Public Defender's statement reads.
For information, special forces are using water jets in Rustaveli at this moment.
