The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, calls on the Georgian authorities to protect the freedom of expression and assembly in the face of violence, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has issued a statement on this.

According to a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk today called on Georgian authorities to respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, amid four nights of protests in Tbilisi that have been characterized by violence, disproportionate and, in some cases, police brutality. Dispersal by using excessive force.

"The use of excessive and disproportionate force against demonstrators and the media is extremely disturbing. All Georgians, from the entire political spectrum, should be able to freely and peacefully express their views on the future of their country," Volker Türk says.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights notes that security forces reportedly used pepper spray, water cannons and chemical irritants against demonstrators and journalists. Also, some of them were chased and beaten by unknown persons.

Also, the High Commissioner calls on the demonstrators to express their rights in a peaceful way.

"According to the information spread, some people threw stones, fireworks and bottles at the security forces and damaged the parliament building. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that at least 113 of its employees were injured," Volker Türk's office said in a statement.

According to Volker Türk, all persons found guilty of violations should be held accountable, and also the statements about improper treatment of detainees should be investigated.

According to him, the challenge in this regard is the absence of identification numbers or names on the uniforms of the special forces.

"These incidents once again emphasize the need to solve the long-standing problem when it comes to the establishment of individual accountability of law enforcement officers in Georgia," notes Volker Türk.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, reports that children are among the detainees are particularly disturbing and their rights must be fully protected.

"All those arrested for lawfully exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly must be released immediately and unconditionally." All other defendants must be guaranteed the right to due process, the presumption of innocence, a lawyer, as well as the right to challenge the legality of pretrial detention and, if necessary, medical assistance," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says.

Volker Türk calls on all parts of society in Georgia to maintain a peaceful environment.

"I call on all constituent parts of the society to maintain a peaceful environment and to resolve any disagreements through transparent and inclusive dialogue, using established legal procedures based on the rule of law," notes Volker Türk.