Officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained Paata Burchuladze, Murtaz Zodelava, Irakli Nadiradze, Paata Manjgaladze and Lasha Beridze. They are accused of calling for violent change of the constitutional order of Georgia or the overthrow of the state government, as well as organizing, leading and participating in group violence.

The committed crimes envision up to 9 years in prison.

Based on the evidence obtained by law enforcement officers, as well as the study of video materials disseminated by various media outlets, it was established that during the ongoing rally on Freedom Square, the organizers made calls with a context of violence. Such calls were made even before October 4 of the current year.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs made several statements and addressed the participants of the demonstration to keep the gathering in peaceful environment, without exceeding the limits established by law, however, following the calls for violence voiced at the protest, several participants and organizers of the demonstration broke down the barriers of the Presidential Palace on Atoneli street and attempted to take control over the Presidential Palace.

The investigation is underway under Articles 317, 222, 225 and 187 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. We will provide the public with information regarding the results of the investigation and new details gradually.