“In response to recent media reports alleging that the Ministry of Internal Affairs violated the law by using water cannons and tear gas simultaneously during protests against the Transparency of Foreign Influence law, we clarify that these claims are false and misleading,” stated the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Ministry reaffirms that all measures employed during the protests adhere to European standards and the practices adopted by police forces across Europe.

“The Law on Police of Georgia regulates the use of special methods by law enforcement. According to Article 33, Paragraph III, tear gas can be used to repel attacks on individuals, police officers, or protected objects, as well as to prevent mass violations of public order. Water cannons, on the other hand, are authorized to prevent mass disturbances and group attacks on state or public facilities.

The type and intensity of special measures used by police are determined based on the circumstances, in full compliance with the law. Importantly, neither the Law on Police nor any related regulations prohibit the simultaneous use of water cannons and tear gas.

Furthermore, international guidelines, including those from Amnesty International and OSCE/ODIHR, do not impose such restrictions. Amnesty International even notes that marker dyes or chemical agents can be added to water used in water cannons. The OSCE/ODIHR handbook permits the use of tear gas to disperse violent assemblies. However, it should not be deployed in areas where individuals have no viable means of escape.

The Ministry reaffirms that all measures used during protests align with European standards and practices employed by police forces across the continent.

The dissemination of false information serves only to mislead the public and to deliberately discredit the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” the Ministry concluded.