Tbilisi, Georgia: In a statement posted on their official Facebook page, Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs informed the public of the events that took place on Rustaveli Avenue on the grounds of the Parliament on December 1–2, this year. Â
According to the statement, the Tbilisi protest turned violent and 21 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs suffered health injuries last night as a result of unlawful and violent actions by protesters. Some of the injured are noted with serious injuries to various parts of their head, face and body.
During the recent protests, 113 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs suffered health injuries, 4 of them are still in medical facilities.
Similar to previous days, despite numerous warnings, during the demonstration, there were several provocative actions from the protesters.
The public was watching how violent groups were damaging the Parliament Building and the infrastructure on Rustaveli Avenue.
Late at night protesters damaged municipal property and private property on Rustaveli Avenue, erected barricades through damaged items and set some items on fire.
The ministry also informed the public that all criminal acts committed by violent groups are being investigated under Articles 187 and 353 of the Criminal Code.
Within the scope of the investigation, the employees of the Tbilisi Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as a result of operational measures and investigations, two persons were accused of attacking policemen and damaging objects by fire during their duty have been arrested. The crimes consider imprisonment for up to 7 years.
The investigation has determined that on November 29 of this year, during the demonstration on Rustaveli Avenue on 9 April Street, the accused was killed. On the same day, a flammable object was thrown into the legislature building, resulting in a fire in one of the rooms of the Parliament building.
As a result of investigations conducted by law enforcers, both accused were arrested in Tbilisi.
Also, it is stated to inform the public that three persons have been arrested for attacking police officers during duty and damaging a substance by setting fire.
Investigation continues in the Ministry of Internal Affairs to identify and arrest all the perpetrators. Once again, they noted that each illegal action will be followed by a legal reaction from law enforcers.
The public was also reminded about minor hooliganism and disobedience to the police at the protest near the Georgian Parliament in recent days. According to the Code of Administrative Offenses, a total of 224 persons were arrested.
The Tbilisi City Court presented the administrative case materials of 98 persons from the detainees, of which the case was completed for 74 persons.
- Out of 74 completed cases, 36 persons were fined;
- Administrative detention has been applied to 34 persons;
- A note was used against 4 persons.
Cases of administrative offenses continue to be filed against other persons in the courts.
As it is known, even today, protests are planned in different cities of Tbilisi and Georgia. Employees of different divisions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be mobilized in the vicinity of the protests held to protect law and order.
Georgian law protects the right to assemble-manifestation and expression, as well as forms of protest expression are set to protect public order and safety.
The ministry urged the organizers of the demonstration to protest within the framework of law, any unlawful act will be subjected to legal action from the police.
