According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, “in Tbilisi, on Rustaveli Avenue, the protest rally near the parliament building developed in a violent manner”.

“Participants of the protest attempted to block one of the entrances of the Georgian parliament - incidents involving violence against the employees of the Ministry also took place.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs, as the Agency responsible for the protection of the rule of law and security of citizens, protects the right of our citizens to hold peaceful gatherings and demonstrations guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia. At the same time, we call on organizers and political leaders to refrain from calls for violence and ensure that the demonstration remains peaceful.

The Ministry will apply all appropriate measures with regards to the facts of violation of the law and take legal action in accordance of the acting legislation. In case if rally participants ignore the rightful requests of police officers and offer resistance the Ministry of Internal Affairs will apply proportional force and special means defined by the law”, - reads the statement of the MIA.