Police fine party leader, other activists and detain three people at protest rally against coronavirus restrictions

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has released a statement about the protest rally, organized by the opposition Girchi party today.

According to the Ministry, Zurab Japaridze, leader of the party, and 14 other activists were fined GEL 3,000 each and three people were detained at the rally.

The Ministry said that the three persons were arrested for petty hooliganism and disobedience to the lawful request of law enforcement.

"Citizens' Political Union "New Political Center -Girchi" held a protest rally on territory of the old hippodrome at 14:00 today, demanding the abolishment of the state of emergency,” MIA said.

The Ministry explains that according to the Georgian Government’s Decree on the measures aiming to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus in the country bans any assemblies and manifestations provided by the Georgian Law on Assembly and Manifestation.

“Accordingly, the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Zurab Japaridze, leader of the political party Girchi, as well as 14 other activists GEL 3000 each and detained three persons for minor hooliganism and disobedience to the lawful request of law enforcement,” MIA said.

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