Georgian Interior Minister vows firm action against those threatening national stability, rule of law

Georgian Interior Minister Geka Geladze on Friday praised law enforcement for their professional response to the October 4 unrest in Tbilisi, emphasising that the authorities would act with the utmost severity against anyone undermining national stability or attacking police, reinforcing the strength of the country’s security apparatus.

In his remarks, Geladze lauded the law enforcement response to the October 4 events, highlighting their disciplined and lawful actions that thwarted an attempt to overthrow the Government.

“I take this opportunity to express gratitude to law enforcement officers for protecting public safety and order with a very high standard and professionalism during the events of October 4. Everyone clearly saw that each representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ police units acted with the highest standards and in accordance with the law. This was a precisely and correctly conducted police operation, which prevented an attempt to overthrow the state”, he said.

He stressed that Georgia’s robust security system, demonstrated by the coordinated efforts of police and the State Security Service, ensures public safety.

“The coordinated actions of our police officers, security personnel, and the State Security Service once again proved that Georgia’s law enforcement system is strong and organised. Thanks to the tremendous professionalism of our law enforcement officers, we managed to protect the safety of citizens and the stability of the country”, Geladze noted.

The Minister vowed that any attempts to disrupt the country’s stability or harm law enforcement personnel would face the full force of legal consequences.

“We will act with the utmost severity against anyone who attempts to undermine our country’s stability and the rule of law. Anyone who goes against the state or raises a hand against a law enforcement officer will face the full force of the law”, he concluded.

Georgian Interior Minister Geka Geladze on Friday reported the detention of 16 more individuals linked to the violent events of October 4 at the President's Palace, bringing the total to 62, with criminal proceedings also initiated against two abroad, amid an ongoing investigation into attempts to overthrow the constitutional order.

On October 4, large-scale protests in Tbilisi escalated into a dramatic confrontation, as a group of radical demonstrators tried to storm the presidential palace. The unrest occurred on the same day Georgia held municipal elections.

Authorities detained at least five opposition figures, including Paata Burchuladze. They are now facing charges of plotting to overthrow the government - a potential offense that could carry lengthy prison sentences.

Government officials described the events as a failed coup attempt orchestrated with foreign backing. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the protests “an attempted overthrow of the constitutional order”.