Briefing of the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs - Aleksandre Darakhvelidze
As is known to the public, on November 29 of the current year, manifestations organized by opposition parties, civil activists and non-governmental sector are taking place in Tbilisi and various regions of the country, herewith, gathering-manifestation has been announced on Rustaveli Avenue, near the legislative body.
There are calls in social media to block various strategically important objects, including picketing of television and railway stations, central highways and other key objects during gatherings and demonstrations.
It is also notable that in various closed groups in social media, some individuals actively spread provocative callings on damaging vehicles and video surveillance cameras belonging to the Ministry of Internal Affairs to be damaged.
Members of the same groups organize the collection of batons, iron pipes, chains, paints, different kinds of steel objects and tools for the gathering-demonstration and call on their associates to apply the mentioned items at the rally, while carrying out violent actions against the law enforcement officers.
We would like to remind the organizers and participants of tthathe manifestation that the legislation of Georgia accurately defines the legal frames for the conduction of the assembly-manifestation so that to ensure the peaceful nature of the assembly, public safety, proper functioning of various institutions and the normal operation of public transport.
It should be noted that the freedom of assembly and expression does not includeexcludes the right to disrupt the normal operation of strategic and/or special importance objects and the usual rhythm of citizens' lives on purpose.
According to Article 9 of the Law of Georgia "On Assemblies and Manifestations", it is forbidden to block entrances to buildings, traffic roadways and railways.
In addition to the mentioned, according to Articles 222 and 222 (1) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, the seizure of a strategic or special object, blocking or organizing the blocking of transport communications is a punishable act.
These crimes envision up to three years of imprisonment.
In order to ensure the peace during the assembly, the legislation defines a number of prohibitions, including, Articles 11 and 11 (1) of the Law of Georgia "On Assemblies and Manifestations", the participants of the assembly or demonstration are prohibited from:
• having firearms, explosive, flammable, radioactive substances or cold steel;
• having such object or substance that is used or can be used to harm the life and/or health of the participants of the assembly or demonstration or others;
• having tear, nerve-paralytic and/or poisonous substance;
• having alcoholic beverages;
• It is not allowed to block the traffic roadway with vehicles, various constructions and/or objects.
• It is not allowed to block, distort the visual part, damage or commit any other type of violation of buildings, monuments, memorials of historical, archeological, architectural and/or scientific importance during the assembly or manifestation.
Demonstrators and organizers are requested to refrain from possessing any object or substance that creates an actual risk of disrupting the peaceful nature of the assembly.
Herewith, we urge citizens not to go beyond the limits defined by the law on assembly/demonstration and to refrain from illegal activities, otherwise the police will take all appropriate legal measures to seize prohibited items.
In order to prevent violent actions, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will resort to special means of coercion envisioned by international law and Georgian legislation, including all special means defined by the Law of Georgia "On Police".
We would also like to remind the public that 32 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs were injured as a result of illegal actions carried out by the participants of the rally held yesterday. Herewith, participants of the rally damaged the existing infrastructure, road surface and video-surveillance cameras in the vicinity of the legislative body.
During the protest, law enforcement officers arrested 43 persons in accordance with Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses for resisting to the legal request of the police officer and petty hooliganism.
In connection with the violations that occurred at the rally, the investigation is being conducted under Article 353 and Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.
The employees of the relevant units of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be mobilized today for the scheduled protest and will maintain the rule of law.
