Saralidze and Machalikashvili Suspend Protest Rallies for a Week

“Do Not Kill Me” rally key organizers Zaza Saralidze, father of the murdered teen Davit, and Malkhaz Machalikashvili, whose son was killed in anti-terrorist operation in December, have decided to suspend protests for a week.

The decision was made at Monday night’s protest rally at the old building of the parliament.

Saralidze told journalists he does not exclude that the situation regarding the investigation into his son’s murder, might change radically in one week.

“I maximally cooperate with the investigation…I hope that in the end the truth will be revealed,” he added.

Saralidze says people can continue solidarity rallies but he won’t be able to attend them because he needs to get involved into the investigation of his son’s murder.

According to him, the main demands of the protesters stay the same – resignation of Justice and Interior Ministers.

Opposition United National Movement (UNM) members, who attended June 11 rally, say they respect the decision of Saralidze and Machalikashvili, but doubt anything will change radically in one week.

“If people still come here and continue protests, we will be with them too,” UNM member, Tinatin Bokuchava stated.

Georgia’s Interior Ministry stated they detained 19 people during Monday evening rally.

By Thea Morrison