MIA: Investigation launched into illegal and violent actions at rally

22:33, 04.10.2025

“Once again, I strongly urge all rally participants to comply with the lawful instructions of the police and to prevent the situation from escalating artificially. Failure to do so will result in law enforcement employing all appropriate measures provided by law,” stated Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze during a briefing at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to the Deputy Minister, despite numerous calls issued by law enforcement and official statements from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, rally members failed to obey lawful directives.

“Throughout the day, protestors had ample opportunity to express their grievances peacefully and continue their demonstration. The Ministry of Internal Affairs also issued clear appeals to ensure the gathering remained peaceful and within the legal limits established by law.

However, despite these appeals, the rally exceeded the parameters set out in the Law on Assembly and Manifestation. The organisers made calls of a violent nature, damaged barriers of the presidential palace on Atoneli Street, and attempted to breach the building. Incidents of violence have been documented,” Darakhvelidze explained.

Furthermore, the Deputy Minister noted that as a result of illegal actions, including objects being thrown at law enforcement officers by violent groups, 14 officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs have been injured.

“The injuries sustained by police officers vary, with one in serious condition due to the severity of their injuries. We will continue to provide updates to the public as more information becomes available.

To restore order at the scene, the Ministry employed special means authorised by legislation. We emphasise that law enforcement will carry out all necessary procedural and investigative steps to identify and apprehend those responsible for illegal conduct.

Once again, I call on all rally participants to obey lawful police instructions and prevent the situation from escalating artificially. Failure to do so will compel law enforcement to use all appropriate lawful measures,” Darakhvelidze reiterated.

An investigation has been initiated into the illegal and violent actions of the organisers and participants of the rally in Tbilisi under Articles 317, 187, 222, and 225 of the Criminal Code. These include assaulting police officers, inciting violence to change Georgia’s constitutional order or overthrow the government, damaging property, organising or participating in group violence, and attempting to seize or block objects of strategic or critical importance.

By - Svetlana Alimova

Justice/Crime

Politics

Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA)

protest rally

Tbilisi

violence

Александре Дарахвелидзе