Groups that want escalation into violent protest processes are standing behind the peaceful demonstrators and waiting for their moment. Such a statement mad today Archil Talakvadze, the Vice Speaker of the Parliament, while commenting the rallies against the Bill on Transparency.

“Peaceful demonstration and the rights to assembly and expression have been protected in Georgia just like in Europe.

There had been attempts by the radical opposition and organisers of the rallies to use peaceful protesters for escalation, to engage in violent acts… Despite the attempts the law enforcement officers had acted in compliance with the law - ensuring the public order and protecting the peaceful demonstrators.

A few incidents, which had happened during the rally, would be investigated and all questions regarding them would be answered by relevant authorities.

Yesterday’s rally showed us once again the difference between our Government and the previous [United National Movement] one. Under our Government, expressing an opinion, taking a critical position, gathering, demonstrating, if all of this is peaceful, are protected and no one is persecuted for it, unlike during the Government of the UNM, the police do not attack their citizens, they don’t shed blood”, - said Archil Talakvadze.