“On October 4, we will not break the law,” declared Paata Burchuladze, leader of the Rustaveli Avenue movement, at a briefing.

According to Burchuladze, a national assembly will be held for the first time in Georgia’s history.

At the briefing, Burchuladze spoke about a letter submitted in his name to Tbilisi City Hall and the municipality’s response.

“I should remind you that on October 4, for the first time in Georgia’s history, a national assembly will take place. As outlined in our Constitution and in accordance with the law, we approached the City Hall to inform them; we were not required to seek permission, only to notify them that the people of Georgia are organising a national assembly and that we intend to set up four stages.

We acted in accordance with the law; yet today we received a response instructing us not to gather in large numbers and to set up only one stage. I will quote what is stated in the letter: “Our assembly, taking place simultaneously on Freedom Square, Rustaveli Avenue, and Republic Square, will paralyse transport in the central districts of the capital and disrupt the functioning of various organisations and institutions.”

This is the most important assembly we are holding. To the person who wrote this, I say: do not be afraid. We come peacefully; we will not break the law. We are peace-loving people who want our country to be free. Therefore, there will be no violation of the Constitution; this is our right under the Constitution. We will abide by the law, but I also warn you: do not break the law and act within its bounds,” declared Paata Burchuladze.

Recently, Tbilisi City Hall made public both the letter submitted to the municipal administration on behalf of Paata Burchuladze and the City Hall’s response.