The Ministry of Internal Affairs released a statement regarding the dispersal of the rally, explaining that as a result of “measures taken by the police forces of the MIA, the entrances to the Parliament were cleared of artificially created barriers, all entrances to the Parliament have been freed and the legislative body can continue its activities without hindrance.

The MIA detained 18 people at the protest rally.

“Today, the Interior Ministry arrested 18 people for violating the Code of Administrative Offenses during a rally outside the Parliament building. The aforementioned persons have been arrested by law enforcement for the offense included in Article 173 (disobedience of lawful order of a police officer) and Article 166 (hooliganism).

Adjacent streets to the building of Parliament and Rustaveli Avenue are being cleaned up and traffic will be restored in the nearest future.

In order to protect public safety and order, Units of the MIA remain on Rustaveli Avenue.

The Police urges all citizens to obey rules established by law. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will accordingly respond to every offence and each case of violation will be followed by respective actions”, - says MIA.