“Individuals who called on the rally participants to paralyze traffic movement despite the small number of people will be identified,” said the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA).

“As it is known to the public, from April 15, in parallel with manifestation on Rustaveli Avenue, in the vicinity of the Georgian Parliament, the participants are organizing marches to different locations, thus hindering traffic movement.

Considering the number of people, Rustaveli Avenue was closed to traffic based on the agreement with the organizers.

In recent days, during manifestations taking place on the territory of Rustaveli Avenue and the Parliament building, the number of people participating in the process has significantly decreased.

Taking into account the small number of participants in the process, there is no need to block the roadway for transport, however, people at the rally have been artificially and continuously blocking the roadway.

Artificial blocking of the road leads to disruption of traffic movement and, in addition, violates the rights of people who live and work in the vicinity of the manifestation venue, and prevents institutions and organizations from normal functioning.

According to Articles 11 and 11(1) of the Law of Georgia “On Assemblies and Manifestations”, it is prohibited to artificially block the roadway for transport, unless the number of participants of the assembly or demonstration necessitates doing so. Herewith, it is forbidden to create obstacles for the movement of transport on purpose.

We call on the organizers and participants of the rally to adhere to the requirements of the law. Each illegal action will be followed by an appropriate legal response from the law enforcement agency.

Those persons who call on participants of the rally to paralyze the movement on roadways despite the small number of people will be identified. Law enforcers will take measures against them per the relevant legislation,” reads the MIA statement.