On the evening of December 6, security forces began aggressive arrests and dispersal of the rally on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.
Earlier, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that parliament should mobilize various police units to “maintain law and order.”
The Ministry of Internal Affairs called on the protesters to protest within the framework established by law. Otherwise, he promised to apply “an appropriate legal response from the police.” In general, the action was peaceful.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs warned protesters about the readiness of police forces in the territory adjacent to parliament.
Subsequently, the special forces advanced from Freedom Square to the legislative building, hitting the shields with sticks.
Demonstrators were called on to disperse by loudspeaker.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs claims that the situation at the rally escalated due to “illegal actions of violent groups.” They threw stones and launched fireworks in the direction of the police and the parliament building, as a result of which one Interior Ministry employee was injured.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Internal Affairs complained that on Chichinadze Street they fired at the patrol police border with pyrotechnics. They fled and were replaced by special forces. Subsequently, special forces from Chichinadze also descended on Rustaveli. Water cannons are being sent there.
From November 28 to today, about 400 people were detained at protests in Georgia. Transparency International Georgia (TIG) reported this on December 6.
Over 350 people are involved in administrative cases, and 26 – in criminal cases.
The age of the detainees ranges from 15 to 60 years. In addition to men, women and children were arrested. There are 7 foreigners among those detained. Judges apply strict sanctions: a fine of 2000-3000 lari (approximately 700-1000 dollars) or arrest for a period of 4 to 14 days.
More than 80 detainees required hospital treatment. The whereabouts of the detainees were not known to lawyers for many hours. Judges make decisions based on police testimony and do not take into account defense evidence.
In cases of beating or torture of detainees, the judge never contacted the Special Investigative Service.
Judges do not allow detainees to talk about beatings and torture. The judges say it doesn’t concern them. According to Transparency International Georgia, not a single police officer has been punished yet.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.