The ongoing rally on Rustaveli Avenue, near the Parliament, exceeded the norms established by the Law on Assembly and Manifestation. The relevant statement was released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs [MIA].

“Despite numerous appeals made to the protesters by law enforcement officers mobilized to maintain order on the scene, as well as official statements issued by the MIA, for several hours now, protesters have been verbally and physically abusing police officers, as well as throwing various objects and pyrotechnics at them, resulting in the injury of two employees of the MIA.

Protesters are damaging and setting fire to infrastructure. It is noteworthy that a certain part of the protesters moved towards Tchitchinadze Street, where the aforementioned individuals damaged the entrance gate to the Parliament.

The public clearly saw the violent, illegal actions of the protesters on various TV broadcasts.

Law enforcement officers used special means established by law to defuse the situation.

We once again call on the participants of the demonstration not to commit any illegal actions and to obey the instructions of law enforcement officers. Otherwise, the MIA will act within the mandate granted to it by law and will apply the measures provided for by the legislation of Georgia”, - reads the statement.