GYLA: The degree of violence and the number of facts give us the basis to assess that the special forces are performing an illegal generalized task of assaulting the participants of the demonstration because of their civil position

The Association of Young Lawyers of Georgia publishes updated information and assessment regarding the ongoing action in Rustaveli.

GYLA notes that the representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are using active special means against the participants of the legitimate protest, parallel to each other and with life-threatening practices.

According to the organization's assessment, the special forces are carrying out an illegal generalized task of assaulting the participants of the rally because of their civil position.

"Since 02:38, the situation on Rustaveli avenue has been particularly tense.

The representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are using active special means against the participants of the legitimate protest in a parallel and life-threatening manner, such as water cannon, pepper spray mixed with it, and also in the footage, gunners can be seen firing certain capsules, however, the Ministry of Internal Affairs should clarify for itself. What is this remedy? It should be noted that the ban on the use of means simultaneously or in a parallel mode was changed and canceled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in order to simplify the practice of dispersing demonstrations, which is completely inconsistent with human rights, from the point of view of formal legality.

The practice of illegal administrative detention of demonstrators and physical retribution are running parallel to each other today.

The degree of violence and the abundance of such facts give us a reason to assess that the special forces are performing an illegal generalized task of assaulting the participants of the rally because of their civil position," the statement reads.