Public Defender calls for protection of freedom of assembly in parliament protest

23:42, 16.04.2024

The Public Defender of Georgia has urged the Ministry of Internal Affairs to protect the freedom of expression and assembly for all citizens and adhere to relevant international standards in case force is employed.

Levan Ioseliani stated that they are closely monitoring the ongoing gathering near the Parliament in Tbilisi.

“On April 16, 2024, by 10:00 PM, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia reportedly began using force against rally participants, including the use of pepper spray, as per media reports.

The Public Defender reiterates that interference with the freedom of assembly is only acceptable if the gathering turns violent and/or unlawful, and any use of force must adhere to strict standards of necessity and proportionality

The Public Defender calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to protect the freedom of expression and assembly for all citizens and adhere to relevant international standards in case of any use of force,” the statement by the Public Defender reads.

By - Tamar Tabatadze

Politics

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Public Defender