The protest of the participants on Rustaveli Avenue, Tbilisi near the parliament building exceeded the limits of the law on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and developed in a violent manner, says the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

“Throughout the day, police were mobilized in front of the parliament building and ensured the peaceful conduct of the protest.

In the evening, after the plenary session, the participants of the rally attempted to block one of the entrances of the Parliament, which was prevented by police. At the same time, there were incidents involving violence against the employees of the Ministry, which included throwing various objects in the direction of the law enforcement officers. As a result of the violent actions of the rally participants, several law enforcement officers were injured, police gear and equipment were damaged as well.

Despite numerous warnings of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, rally participants continued their violent actions, ignored police requests, due to which, police applied proportional force and special means within the frames of the law.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs, as the Agency responsible for the protection of the rule of law once again calls on each citizen, rally organizers and participants to observe law and order and follow the rightful requests of police.

The Ministry will make rapid response with regards to the facts of violation of the law and take legal action in accordance of the acting legislation”, - reads the statement.