Minister Explains Police Action At Rustavi Rally

Officers from the Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) have detained 19 persons at the rally held on Rustaveli Avenue.

Throughout the duration of the rally on Rustaveli Avenue, 8 persons have been arrested under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia, including Irakli Nadiradze, member of Tbilisi Sakrebulo "National Movement", among others.

These persons violated the public order, verbally insulted the law enforcers and did not obey the legal requirements of the police. In addition, Nika Melia, a member of the National Movement, who was thought to be arrested was not arrested but forced to leave Rustaveli Avenue in order prevent an offence according to Chairman of the Parliament, Irakli Kobakhidze, stated at the Parliament Bureau sitting.

"I had a meeting with the Minister and I got explanations on this issue. The case was the following: there was a violation of the law and the MP was forced to leave the area in order to prevent an offence. I asked the Minister if Melia had been arrested and he explained that Melia had not been arrested but forced to leave Rustaveli Avenue in order avoid an offence. He was released soon after he was taken to one of the stations," said Irakli Kobakhidze.

A citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan was also detained on Rustaveli Avenue - a person wanted for murder and robbery by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). The law enforcers stopped the mentioned person when he joined the rally on Rustaveli Avenue. When identified, the citizen resisted the policemen, did not obey their orders and was detained.

The officers of Patrol Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs have arrested 19 persons in total at the rally held on Rustaveli Avenue on June 11, due to breach of sections 166 and 173 of the Administrative Code of Georgia. The Ministry of Internal Affairs calls upon citizens to express their opinions in accordance with the legislation and not violate the Law of Georgia on Assembly and Manifestation.

If blocking a road or attempting to restrict movement, the police will react with accordance of the law.

Zviad Kuprava, one of the organizers of the protests, was detained on Rustaveli Avenue and three persons detained with him were sentenced to 14 days administrative imprisonment. Judge Lasha Tavartkiladze made this decision.


According to a statement made by the MIA: "It is important for the Ministry of Internal Affairs to be responsible for protecting the law as it is important that freedom of expression is guaranteed. At the same time, the Ministry is responsible for ensuring that the law should be protected during the assembly and manifestation, not to infringe the rights of the citizens and to endanger public order."

By Shawn Wayne

Image source: 1TV.ge