The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has issued a statement regarding the ongoing protest, saying that protesters have been verbally and physically attacking police officers, throwing objects and pyrotechnics, which has resulted in injuries to two MIA employees.

The MIA urges the protesters to cease illegal actions and follow the instructions of law enforcement officers.

“The protest on Rustaveli Avenue, near the Parliament, has exceeded the limits set by the Law on Assembly and Manifestation. Despite multiple appeals from law enforcement officers and an official statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, protesters have been verbally and physically assaulting police officers for several hours. They have also been throwing various objects and pyrotechnics, causing injury to two MIA employees and damaging infrastructure.

A portion of the protesters moved towards Chichinadze Street, where they damaged the entrance gate to the Parliament. The violent, illegal actions of the protesters were visible to the public on television. Law enforcement officers used legally established special measures to manage the situation. We once again urge the protesters to refrain from illegal actions and follow law enforcement instructions. Should the situation persist, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will act within its legal mandate and apply the measures stipulated by Georgian law,” the statement concludes.