Georgian PM reaffirms right to peaceful assembly but warns of “strict legal consequences” for violence

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday warned that any violence at a rally planned by the radical opposition groups on Saturday would be met with the strictest legal response.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze called on all political parties and other associations to distance themselves from gatherings whose goal was to overthrow or violently change the country's constitutional order.

“Since 2012, Georgia has been a democratic state and everyone here is entitled to peaceful assembly. However, we once again warn everyone that any violence will be met with the strictest legal response. We call on all political parties and other associations, while there is still time, to effectively distance themselves from gatherings whose goal is to overthrow or violently change Georgia’s constitutional order”, the PM said.

“I would like to remind everyone that today Georgia, its constitutional system and state institutions, including law enforcement bodies, are stronger and more united than ever. Therefore, we advise no one to risk confronting the state system and the law, from which all violators will face the strictest consequences. Georgia will continue on its path of peaceful and stable development, for which the Government of Georgia and each of its agencies take full responsibility”, he concluded.