Georgian Interior Ministry warns: persistent breaches of protest rules will attract criminal charges

The Georgian Interior Ministry on Tuesday announced that individuals who repeatedly violate the rules governing assemblies and demonstrations would face criminal charges.

Vazha Siradze, the Director of the Tbilisi Police Department, reported that law enforcement officers detained 14 persons for violating assembly and demonstration laws.

“As is known to the public, legislative amendments came into force on October 17, tightening regulations for violating the rules of holding assemblies and demonstrations. In light of this, over the past two days, the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained 14 individuals. One of the detained individuals has been transferred to the Centre for Mental Health and Drug Addiction Prevention, where he will undergo compulsory treatment. For this reason, we refrain from disclosing this individual’s name”, he said.

Siradze noted that some demonstrators gathered on Rustaveli Avenue, outside the Parliament building, intentionally blocked the roadway and covered their faces - actions that constitute administrative offences.

“Citizens gathering on Rustaveli Avenue, outside the legislative body, despite their small numbers, deliberately block the roadway and obstruct traffic. Additionally, some demonstrators cover their faces, which constitutes an administrative offence. For the purpose of informing the public, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued multiple official statements regarding this issue. Furthermore, law enforcement officers have repeatedly explained to the participants on-site that they should not obstruct traffic. However, the citizens did not comply with the police and continued their unlawful actions”, he noted.

He further highlighted that over the last three days, law enforcement officers had documented 53 violations involving 42 individuals.

Siradze reaffirmed that repeat offenders would face criminal prosecution if they continue to violate the law.

“Once again, we remind offenders that if they repeatedly commit such illegal actions, the issue of criminal liability will be raised against them. The Ministry of Internal Affairs once again calls on the organisers and participants of the assembly to comply with the requirements of the law. Otherwise, law enforcement officers will act in accordance with the law, identifying all offenders and taking appropriate measures as stipulated by law”, he concluded.