Interior Ministry urges UNM rally organisers and demonstrators to obey police directives and respect public order laws
Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs issued an official statement on the public rally announced by the opposition United National Movement (UNM).
The ministry urged organisers and participants to avoid disrupting preparatory work for the upcoming Tbilisoba 2026 city festival, stay clear of active municipal work sites, and avoid approaching the Rike Park “tubes” complex, where structural dismantling operations are underway.
Officials confirmed that law enforcement agencies will respond appropriately within their legal mandate.
“According to multiple media reports, demonstrators attending the rally announced by the United National Movement still intend to assemble near the Rike Park complex, despite prior advisories and safety guidance delivered directly to event organisers,” the ministry statement reads.
“In light of these reports, the Ministry of Internal Affairs deems it necessary to issue a further public update regarding on-site conditions and safety measures. City municipal services have started groundwork for Tbilisoba 2026 around Europe Square and Rike Park, following prior notices to rally organisers. The Ministry calls on organisers and attendees not to interfere with these preparations or enter active municipal worksites.
Citizens must avoid the area surrounding the Rike Park complex, where structural dismantling is ongoing. Given the high-risk nature of these works, entering or moving around the site poses a serious threat to life and limb.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reiterates its call for rally organisers and demonstrators to remain strictly within the statutory limits governing public assemblies and demonstrations, heed on-site conditions, adhere to safety guidelines, avoid impeding ongoing works, and comply with lawful police instructions. Police forces deployed on site will maintain public order and security, responding proportionally within their statutory authority,” the statement concluded.