The Ministry of Internal Affairs once again calls on protest organizers and participants to comply with legal requirements, otherwise law enforcement will act in accordance with the law - identifying all offenders and applying appropriate measures as stipulated by law, stated Vazha Siradze, Director of the Tbilisi Police Department, during a briefing at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.­­

As he explained, following the entry into force of new legislative amendments, the police detained 14 individuals.

The Ministry reminds "offenders that if they repeatedly commit such illegal actions, they will face criminal liability."

"As is known to the public, legislative amendments came into force on October 17 of this year, which tightened regulations for violating the rules of holding assemblies and manifestations.

In light of this, employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained 14 individuals - A.G., K.Ts., T.T., D.A., U.G., D.E., I.K., K.M., B.K., B.Kh., N.B., S.J., and T.S. - over the past two days for violating the rules of holding assemblies and manifestations, in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses.

One of the detainees was transferred to the Center for Mental Health and Drug Addiction Prevention, where they will undergo compulsory treatment. For this reason, we refrain from disclosing this individual’s initials.

Citizens gathering on Rustaveli Avenue, near the legislative body, despite their small numbers, artificially block the roadway and obstruct traffic. Additionally, some demonstrators have their faces covered, which constitutes an administrative offense.

For the purpose of informing the public, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has issued multiple official statements regarding this issue. Furthermore, law enforcement officers have repeatedly explained to protest participants on-site that they should not obstruct traffic, but the citizens did not comply with the police and continued their unlawful actions.

Over the past three days, the Ministry of Internal Affairs identified 53 instances of violations, with 42 individuals being offenders. Some of them have already been detained, while administrative proceedings are ongoing for the remaining individuals, and their cases will be reviewed in court under administrative procedures in the coming days.

Once again, we remind offenders that if they repeatedly commit such illegal actions, they will face criminal liability.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs once again calls on protest organizers and participants to comply with legal requirements, otherwise law enforcement will act in accordance with the law - identifying all offenders and applying appropriate measures as stipulated by law," stated Vazha Siradze.