Protest Rallies Resume in Tbilisi

Zaza Saralidze, father of the murdered teen Davit, and Malkhaz Machalikashvili, whose son was killed in anti-terrorist operation in December, have resumed protest rallies at the old building of Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue on Sunday, under the campaign “Do Not Kill Me.”

The protesters demand the resignation of Minister of Internal Affairs (MIA), Giorgi Gakharia, and Minister of Justice, Tea Tsulukiani, blaming them for an incomplete and non-thorough investigation.

Saralidze stated he does not trust the investigation, adding the rallies will continue until all the offenders are punished.

He also says that the new Chief Prosecutor must be elected by people without the participation of the Minister of Justice.

“I do not trust this Tsulukiani anymore. She should resign and people should decide who will be the next prosecutor. I personally declare that I will not stop fighting until my demands are met. Tsulukiani has no right to appoint a Chief Prosecutor. There are non-governmental organizations and they should nominate a candidate that we trust," said Saralidze at the Sunday rally.

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that 4 people, including one of the organizers of the rally Zviad Kuprava, have been detained for administrative offences.

MIA says they arrested the individuals for disobeying the lawful order of police officers and petty hooliganism.

Law enforcers cordoned the place allocated to the rally participants using barriers. As the patrol police officials explained, this decision was based on security measures.

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: Imedi TV