As a result of the violent actions, 5 policemen were injured, two of them were taken to a medical institution with serious injuries - the participants of the protest verbally insulted the police officers, cursed and referred to their family members with horrible words, and I will not continue the rest, I cannot really repeat those words, - said the Minister of Internal Affairs, Vakhtang Gomelauri.
According to Gomelauri, during the current week, everyone saw law enforcement officers who were continuously mobilized at various times and places of protests and protected the safety of each person.
"During the current week, we all saw law enforcement officers who were continuously mobilized at various times and places of protests and protected the safety of every person. On April 15 and 16, parallel to the action, the work process was going on in the legislative body.
It was equally important for us, for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to protect the safety of both parliament members and members of the staff, as well as each participant of the rally. The public also saw how a peaceful protest turned into violent action from day one. While the protest action was taking place in a completely peaceful situation, some of the participants became aggressive towards the law enforcement officers, threw various objects, including stones, bottles, poured paint, verbally and physically insulted the police officers, and did not obey the legal demands of the police officers. It was also seen well on television. Don't be nervous and don't get angry. Turn on the television, as well as the opposition televisions, and you will see. It looks very good live.
As a result of these violent actions, 5 police officers were injured, two of them were taken to a medical facility with serious injuries. In total, we arrested 40 people administratively. The police constantly called on the organizers of the rally to calm down, although we understand well that the goal of some forces was to create an escalation and they used all kinds of methods for this. Among them, late at night on April 16, when the rally was ending, the participants verbally insulted the police officers, cursed and referred to their family members with terrible words, and I will not continue the rest, I cannot really repeat those words. The ensuing confrontation between the citizens and the police was not a good sight for anyone, not even for me, trust me, however, I can say for sure that it was all caused by unheard insults directed at the law enforcement officers. An attack on a policeman means an attack on a state institution, and I emphasize that this is inadmissible," said Gomelauri.
This statement of Vakhtang Gomelauri was met with noise from opposition MPs, including Salome Samadashvili and Tina Bokuchava. Speaker of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili warned them not to speak without a microphone.