The representatives of the Public Defender were currently going to visit the arrested citizens in the morning hours of November 19, 2024. Among them, were those citizens who according to the information on the device, were physically injured and were taken to clinics.
The Georgian Public Defender notes that at the time (08:18, 19.11.2024) when the Ministry of Internal Affairs started arresting the participants of the rally on Melikishvili Avenue, the rally was peaceful and was within the standards of freedom of assembly.
At that time, there may have been improper treatment of citizens by the police or cases of excessive force. It is also reported that among the detainees is journalist Sergi Baramidze, who was doing professional activities during the arrest. The Public Defender emphatically notes that it is not allowed to interfere with a journalist’s professional activities.
The Ombudsman urges the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure the freedom of peaceful assembly of protesters, not to hinder journalists from their activities, and to guide them by strict adherence to necessity and proportionate criteria when using detention measures and special means.
In addition, the Ombudsman calls on the special investigation service to investigate any possible crime against journalists/protesters and inform the public.
In addition, it is to inform the public that on November 16, 2024, the Public Protection Agency also visited three detained citizens in front of the CESCO building. One of the arrested citizens pointed out being a victim of misconduct by police, as well as all three pointed out unethical treatment and verbal abuse.
The Public Defender’s Office made appropriate legal responses on all three cases and addressed the Special Investigation Service and the General Inspection of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The Public Defender’s Office would like to remind the public that the hotline of the apparatus – 1481, which works 24 hours a day, and citizens can contact us at any time regarding any violation of rights.
