The Minister of Internal Affairs is at the Parliament responding to questioned raised by the members of legislature within the frames of the planned interpellation. Vakhtang Gomelauri started his speech at the parliamentary body by reviewing the recently developed events on Rustaveli Avenue.

“It was equally important for us, for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to protect the safety of the members of parliament and staff, as well as the safety of each rally participant. The public also witnessed how a peaceful protest turned into violent action from day one. While the manifestation was taking place in a completely peaceful environment, certain group of participants became aggressive towards the law enforcement officers, they threw various objects in the direction of the police officers, including stones, bottles, splashed paint, verbally and physically abused them and ignored the legal requests of police”- noted Vakhtang Gomelauri.

As the Minister of Internal Affairs pointed out, an attack on a policeman means an attack on a state institution, which is unacceptable.

“On April 16, late at night when the rally was almost over, the participants verbally insulted police officers. They swore, used abusive language against them and their families, children, and won’t even go into details. The confrontation that took place later between the citizens and the policemen was not pleasing to watch for anyone, not even for me, I assure you," – stated Minister of Internal Affairs.

Vakhtang Gomelauri noted that the policemen tolerated too many insults. According to him, all police officers have an obligation to be patient and each of them understands this very well, however, this does not mean that anyone has the right to verbally or physically abuse them.