“The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has arrested sixteen more individuals in connection with the October 4 events, bringing the total number of detainees to 62,” the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Geka Geladze, announced at a briefing today.

Additionally, as the Minister noted, criminal proceedings have been initiated against two individuals currently abroad, one of whom is Irakli Shaishmelashvili [the former Head of the Operational Planning Unit at the Interior Ministry’s Special Tasks Department].

“As the public is aware, an intensive investigation is underway at the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to identify and bring to criminal justice those persons who committed unlawful, criminal acts in Tbilisi on October 4, specifically, who attempted to seize the Presidential Palace of Georgia by violent means and overthrow the constitutional order, during which several dozen law enforcement officers were injured.

In connection with this criminal case, we have today detained a further sixteen individuals. As part of the ongoing investigation, we have now detained a total of 62 people. Criminal proceedings have been initiated against two individuals who are currently abroad. Some are charged with calling for the violent overthrow of Georgia’s constitutional order or the toppling of state authority, attempting to seize or block a facility of strategic or special importance, organising and participating in group violence, whilst others face charges of violence against law enforcement officers.

As regards the two individuals abroad against whom criminal proceedings have been initiated, one of them is Irakli Shaishmelashvili. He is charged with calling for the violent overthrow of Georgia’s constitutional order and the toppling of state authority.

The evidence we have gathered, including through the analysis of video footage, indicates that on October 4, the individuals detained by law enforcement, along with the organisers of the demonstration, breached the fencing of the Presidential Palace on Atoneli Street and attempted to seize the building. Moreover, as a result of the unlawful and violent actions carried out by participants in the demonstration, 35 police officers were injured. The majority of them sustained head injuries. We are continuing the relevant investigative actions to identify other perpetrators of the crime and bring them to criminal justice,” Geladze stated.

The Minister thanked law enforcement officers for “upholding the highest standards of public safety and law and order with great professionalism during the October 4 events”.

“Everyone saw clearly that every single member of the police divisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs acted to the highest standards and in accordance with the law; this was a precisely and correctly conducted police operation which prevented an attempt to overthrow the state.

The coordinated efforts of police, Special Task Force, and State Protection Special Service once again demonstrated that Georgia’s law enforcement system is robust and well-organised. Thanks to the exceptional professionalism of our officers, we have been able to safeguard the safety of our citizens and uphold national stability.

We will take the strongest possible action against anyone seeking to undermine our country’s stability and the rule of law. Anyone who opposes the state or attacks law enforcement will face the full force of the law,” Geladze affirmed.