The Special Investigation Service is actively investigating the facts of exceeding official powers using violence and unlawful interference with the journalist’s professional activities committed against participants of the rally in November and December 2024 in Tbilisi, stipulated under Article 333 (3b) and Article 154 (2) of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

The Service received reports of violations of the rights of 319 individuals, including both participants of the rally and media representatives, through the hotline, as well as from the Public Defender’s Office, the Media Ombudsman, and Temporary Detention Centers. The Service continues to receive reports. A rapid legal response is provided to each report, making maximum use of the Service’s existing resources.

Since the day of launching the investigation, 140 people (including 5 journalists) have been interviewed in the investigative body, temporary detention centers, and medical clinics, and 42 citizens have undergone medical examinations.

The accident scenes were examined at multiple locations to obtain pertinent evidence, and throughout this process, surveillance cameras that could be useful to the investigation were identified. The study/analysis of hundreds of hours of television broadcast recordings available in the public Internet space is ongoing.

The process of requesting video footage from private and public facilities located at the scene of the incident has already been initiated. Video footage is also being requested from various TV companies.

Information has been requested from the LEPL “Emergency Situation Coordination and Urgent Assistance Center” regarding the identities of the emergency medical team members who provided medical assistance to the injured during the rally. Information regarding the medical documentation of those individuals who received outpatient/inpatient medical assistance after being injured at the protest in November and December 2024 has been requested from clinics.

For the interview of law enforcement officers, administrative detention protocols and medical documentation are being collected from the Temporary Detention Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

The service allows any person who reports the breach of their rights by law enforcement officers and their lawyers/defenders to access and get acquainted with the criminal case materials.

The Special Investigation Service is actively carrying out all necessary investigative and procedural activities. It will periodically update the public about the progress and findings of the investigation.