Georgia: MIA warns protestors against road blockades

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has warned the protestor against the illegal blockade of roads. The ministry advised the protestors to clear the road for smooth movement of the traffic.

The ministry released an official statement in this regard. As per the statement, “ The protestors holding rallies against the foreign influence law have been blocking the roads since April 15 causing traffic problems on Rustaveli Avenue and another area of the vicinity of the Georgian Parliament.”

Moreover due to the presence of a large number of protests at the site Rustaveli Avenue was closed to traffic after consultation   with   the organisers    of the   protest,   but subsequently  the count of protestors reduced rapidly, added the ministry statement.

The ministry’s statement further revealed that due to a low number of participants there is no need to block the road but even then they continue to block the road which is causing inconvenience to commuters.

Moreover the intentional blockades of roads without any reason is a grave violation of the rights of people who live and work in the vicinity of the Revenue and surrounding areas. Furthermore  it also prevents institutions and organizations from normal functioning.

According to Articles 11 and 11(1)  Georgian law artificially blocking of the roads unless the number of participants of the assembly or demonstration required to do so is strictly prohibited. Law also forbids the creation of unnecessary obstacles for traffic.

The ministry warned the   organizers   and  participants  of  the  rally  to  adhere to the requirements of the law. Moreover any illegal action will dealt with appropriate legal response from the law enforcement agency.

Additionally persons who address participants of the rally and cause the traffic disturbance will be identified. After taking the legal route the law enforcers will take measures against them by the relevant legislation.

Notably after the reintroduction of the Foreign Influence Bill the opposition parties and civil organizations have been protesting against the proposed bill. They also took to the streets and the surrounding areas of the parliament building to carry out the protest rallies.