Pro-European protests in Tbilisi continue, with participants being detained by the police. On the evening of October 31, police arrested two more protesters – former diplomat Giorgi Tsikharishvili and Zura Menteshashvili. It is currently unclear what charges are being brought against them. Netgazeti is attempting to verify the details.
Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) released a statement reporting that 29 protesters have been detained over the past five days. According to the MIA, these arrests were made under administrative procedures for the “illegal blocking of Rustaveli Avenue.”
“The protesters did not comply with multiple instructions given by patrol police officers, committed unlawful actions, and blocked the roadway. Despite their small numbers, the demonstrators again blocked Rustaveli Avenue and deliberately obstructed traffic.
We once again urge the participants to refrain from committing unlawful actions. Otherwise, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia will act within the mandate given by law, identify all offenders, and take the legally prescribed measures against them,” the statement, released on November 1, reads.
The parliament controlled by the Georgian Dream party has adopted legislation that restricts freedom of expression, allowing fines, prosecution, and imprisonment for participants in pro-European protests.