The Ministry of Internal Affairs released information about the ongoing investigations in the pre-election process.

“We would like to provide the public with detailed information on the measures taken by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure the safe, free and peaceful environment for the October 2, 2021 municipal elections.

In accordance with the Order of the Minister of Internal Affairs issued on August 31, mobile police groups were created in all regions of the country, which, if necessary, within the authority prescribed by the law, will make immediate response to violations for ensuring the rule of law. At the same time, in order to ensure the conduction of elections in a peaceful environment, police forces will be designated throughout the country in case of necessity;

MIA and the Central Election Commission concluded the memorandum within the frames of which approximately 900 police officers were trained with regard to the election issues;

With the purpose of rapid and coordinated exchange of information on issues related to police authorization, specific staff of various MIA departments have been designated as contact points for the representatives of international and local observation missions as well as for the Public Defender, the relevant information has already been provided to the mentioned organizations.

In addition, we would like to inform the public regarding the response measures taken by the MIA to the possible violations of the law that took place during the pre-election period.

As of today, investigation has been launched into 27 criminal cases by the relevant units of the MIA related to the alleged crimes committed during the pre-election process, in connection or possible links to the ongoing pre-election processes.

Investigation was launched and is in progress with regard to 10 criminal cases related to damaging the election banners of both- the ruling and opposition parties during the pre-election process.

Two criminal cases are underway on the facts of possible theft of property belonging to representatives of a political party.

Nine criminal cases have been launched into the alleged violence against the representatives of the ruling and opposition parties.

Criminal investigation has been launched against one person for inflicting grave body injuries on purpose during the incident in Dmanisi. Investigative activities are underway.

An investigation has also been initiated into the alleged damage to health by negligence committed against a media representative in Kareli.

The investigation is actively in progress with regards to the car shooting owned by one of the members of “For Georgia” political party. Witnesses of the case have already been interrogated, the scene was inspected and relevant forensic examinations scheduled.

On September 13, 2021, under Article 169 of the Criminal Code, of Georgia, the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs launched an investigation into the possible dismissal from the service of the supporters of the For Georgia political party.

At the moment, 6 individuals have already been interviewed within the frames of the mentioned case, 23 persons are scheduled to be interviewed as witnesses in the upcoming days. Unfortunately, 6 people refrain from being interrogated by the police for unknown reasons.

In addition, on September 22 of the current year, the Central Criminal Police Department also launched an investigation into possible coercion of supporters of the same political party under Article 150 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. As of today, approximately 30 people throughout the country have already provided information to the investigation regarding the fact. Herewith, witnesses are being actively called to the investigative body for interrogation. Unfortunately, 12 people are still refusing to give testimonies to the police for unknown reasons.

The MIA makes prompt response to all possible violations and actively ensures that all necessary investigative and procedural activities are held in connection with the current cases.

In order to further inform the public, we would like to clarify that as a result of amendments made to the election legislation, it was prohibited to obstruct the voter movement as well as the assembly of people or registration of voters within the polling station or within 100 meter- perimeter from the polling station on the Election Day.

In addition to the mentioned, the placement of agitation materials at the distance of 25 meters from the entrance of the polling station is prohibited. Violation of the mentioned requirements will result in administrative liability, namely in the amount of 2000 GEL as fine.

We would like to call on all individuals or organizations involved in the election process, regardless of their political affiliations, to observe the requirements of the law, follow the rightful requests of police and contribute to the peaceful and safe conduction of elections.

On the Election Day, the MiIA will periodically inform the public on possible violations of the rule of law during the elections, appropriate response and other issues within the competence of the police”, - reads the statement.