Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia (MIA) released a statement regarding the ongoing events in Tbilisi. As the statement says, in case of the attack against administrative bodies or attempt of continuation of their blockage, the police will react accordingly, within the mandate provided by the law.

‘On 17 November, during the protests as well as throughout the night, the police succeeded to guarantee all necessary conditions for the citizens to exercise their freedom of assembly and manifestation. However, the peaceful manifestation launched on Rustaveli Avenue, in front of the Parliament building, later transformed into an unlawful act.

More precisely, certain participants blocked all the entrances of the legislative body. Furthermore, political leaders openly call on the supporters to deter the due activities of the parliament.

Despite numerous announcements and warnings from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the freedom of expression and assembly exceeded the legal framework. In particular, we would like to stress that Article 9 of the Law of Georgia on Assemblies and Manifestations forbids blockage of entrances of the legislative body as well as hinders of its due activity.

The police are there to protect the right to peaceful assembly as well as to ensure the unhindered functioning of the highest legislative body of Georgia. Accordingly, the Ministry of Internal Affairs calls on the leaders of the political parties gathered on Rustaveli Avenue as well as organizers of the manifestation to seize the blockage of the entrances of the Parliament premises, to uphold the Constitution and not to exceed the frames of the peaceful manifestation prescribed by the law.

Once again, we address the organizers and the participants of the manifestation in front of the Parliament to follow the lawful instructions of the police. In case of the attack against administrative bodies or attempt of continuation of their blockage, the police will react accordingly, within the mandate provided by the law.’

In respect of ongoing rallies in #Tbilisi, MIA calls on organizers & participants of the manifestation to follow the lawful demands of #Police. In case of attacks against administrative bodies or continuation of blockage, police will react accordingly.https://t.co/wHqaEq6fmA

— MIA of Georgia (@MIAofGeorgia) November 18, 2019