The Ministry of Internal Affairs releases a statement regarding the ongoing events in Tbilisi.

“The Ministry of Internal Affairs condemns actions motivated by violence, including any form of violence against media representatives. We call on citizens gathered in the streets of the capital to observe law and order, adhere to the rightful requests of the police and protest any issue within the frames of the law.

We launched an investigation with regard to illegal activities carried out at the offices of the “Shame Movement” and “Tbilisi Pride” in Tbilisi under the Article 187 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages damage or destruction of another person’s property.

Some of the citizens gathered on Rustaveli Avenue tried to break into the office of the “Shame Movement” behind the Parliament building. Journalists were in the office and were covering the current events. Rally participants also damaged their equipment.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia launched an investigation under the Article 187 (Damage or Destruction of another Person’s Property) on the fact of removal of a flag, destruction and damage of inventory by demonstrators from the “Tbilisi Pride” office located at N17 Akhvlediani Street in Tbilisi.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has already informed the society that, in addition to already mentioned violations, the investigation was also launched on the facts of violence against media representatives and illegal interference in their professional activities occurred today on Rustaveli Avenue. All relevant investigative activities will be carried out on the stated facts and all materials reflecting incidents will be examined.

We call on the mass media members, taking into account the existing risks to cooperate with the police, to take into account the instructions and recommendations of the representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The police forces remain mobilized in the streets of the capital and continue maintenance of public order. We once again call on everyone to follow the requirements of the law. Otherwise, the police will act within its’ own mandate and each case of violation will be prevented and a strict legal response will be followed”, - reads the statement.