MIA view NGO and political accusations as attempts to discredit law enforcement
MIA view NGO and political accusations as attempts to discredit law enforcement

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) stated that representatives of non-governmental organizations and various political groups have been spreading false accusations regarding the MIA’s actions during the public protests on Rustaveli Avenue, aiming to discredit law enforcement officials.

“The public has observed that during peaceful assemblies, where no violence occurs, the police facilitate demonstrators’ rights to express their protests freely. However, there have been instances when protests near Parliament escalated beyond legal norms and became violent.

Some individuals at the rally arrived with the intent to commit violent acts, as evidenced by their possession of illegal items—such as stones, construction materials, and pyrotechnics. Investigations revealed that these illicit items were employed in attacks against police officers and were seized from the offices of rally organizers.

As the situation on Rustaveli Avenue devolved into a mass breach of peace, the MIA undertook lawful measures to de-escalate. It is important to note that participants were repeatedly warned through official statements and warning signals before any use of special measures.

Various media outlets and social networks have circulated information regarding injured protesters. However, the public witnessed arrests of violent individuals who frequently resisted law enforcement. In many cases, both the arrestees and MIA officers sustained injuries during these arrests.

It is crucial to remind the public that, as a result of these violent actions, 171 MIA employees were injured. Some had serious injuries, with up to ten officers requiring complex surgical intervention. More than 40 law enforcement officers suffered significant facial, head, and eye injuries due to stones thrown by protesters. Additionally, approximately 60 MIA personnel sustained burns from pyrotechnics, and one officer experienced significant hearing loss.

Regarding allegations of excessive force by police, we reiterate that the Special Investigative Service is conducting an investigation, and the MIA is fully cooperating with the investigative agency within its mandate.

Since November 28, the MIA has recorded multiple criminal acts committed by rally participants on Rustaveli Avenue and the surrounding area, including robbery and over 60 incidents of theft, involving various items such as cash and clothing. Stolen property included ATMs and cash registers, which were used as barricades.

Numerous thefts of personal belongings have been reported, along with significant damage to the facades of various buildings on Rustaveli Avenue, totalling over one hundred thousand GEL in losses.

In recent days, social media and various media outlets have reported the alleged confiscation of detainees’ personal belongings under unclear circumstances. In response, we emphasize that according to Article 26, paragraph II of the Law on Police and Article 249 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, police are authorized to temporarily confiscate a person’s possessions as the law dictates.

Personal belongings are returned to detainees at pre-detention facilities per applicable legislation upon their release. Claims that MIA officers illegally confiscated personal items from detainees are false and serve only to discredit the Agency and its law enforcement officers.