Georgian Public Defender: no country permits a handful of people to block roads - international and Georgian law are clear on this

Georgian Public Defender Levan Ioseliani on Friday condemned the act of a small group of people blocking roads during protests, stating that such actions were prohibited by both Georgian and international law.

In his remarks, Ioseliani emphasised the fact that a road could not be blocked due to a small number of people as stated by international legislation, decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, and Georgian legislation.

“It is not part of Georgian legislation that a few people can block a road. This is the case everywhere: a few people cannot block a road, and no country grants them the right to do so. You know who I’m most angry at? Those instigators who call for blocking the streets but have never received a single fine themselves, have never blocked a road, and have never spent a single day in prison, yet they are very good at using others to do their dirty work”, he said.

The Public Defender voiced strong disapproval of individuals who incite others to engage in disruptive protests, such as climbing onto police vehicles, while avoiding personal consequences.

“Among them, there’s approval of the fact that someone climbed onto a police patrol car and walked on it. There’s even encouragement for this act. Tomorrow, someone else will do the same. These instigators sit comfortably at home while these people, and this girl - who I feel very sorry for - went to prison, along with others who believe in all this”, Ioseliani concluded.

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”.