Georgian Deputy Interior Minister reports 14 injured police officers following unlawful protest acts

At a briefing held at the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Deputy Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze issued a stern warning to all participants of the protest rally.

“We strongly urge all participants of the demonstration to comply with lawful police orders and to avoid artificially escalating the situation. Otherwise, law enforcement officers will take all appropriate measures provided for by law”, the official warned.

Darakhvelidze noted that the protest had gone beyond the norms established by the Law on Assembly and Manifestation, further pointing out that organisers had issued calls of a violent nature.

Participants damaged the fences of the Presidential Palace located on Atoneli Street and attempted to enter the building. Instances of violence were recorded.

As a result of unlawful actions by protesters, including attacks on law enforcement officers by violent groups throwing various objects, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that 14 police officers were injured at this stage.

The injured officers sustained various types of injuries, one of whom is in serious condition. Information regarding their condition will be periodically communicated to the public. In order to restore public order, the Ministry of Internal Affairs employed special means provided for by law.

Darakhvelidze emphasised that law enforcement officers would carry out necessary procedural and investigative actions to identify and detain all individuals involved in unlawful activities.

According to Darakhvelidze, an investigation has been initiated regarding the unlawful and violent actions carried out by the organisers and participants of the protest in Tbilisi.