The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) issued a statement clarifying that reports claiming that several individuals received administrative imprisonment solely for standing on the sidewalk are entirely false and intended to mislead the public.

According to the MIA, the cases in question involved situations where individuals obstructed or hindered the movement of citizens on the sidewalk, which prompted legally prescribed law enforcement responses.

"We want to respond to information circulating in the media suggesting that several individuals were given administrative imprisonment just for standing on the sidewalk. This information is completely false and manipulative, aimed at intentionally misleading society. In reality, the matter concerns instances where individuals obstructed or hindered citizens’ movement on the sidewalk, which led to a legal response from our side," the statement reads.

The Ministry emphasized that, under the Constitution of Georgia, prior warning is required when gatherings occur in public spaces or on transport routes. Participants in assemblies or demonstrations are legally prohibited from intentionally obstructing the movement of people or transport.

In this particular case, on December 17-18, 2025, participants in a gathering in front of the Parliament of Georgia deliberately obstructed the movement of citizens. The Ministry, following administrative procedures, requested the court to impose administrative penalties. During the court hearing, the evidence presented and evaluated clearly established that these individuals committed administrative offenses, for which the corresponding administrative penalties were imposed.