Tbilisi Mayor and General Secretary of Georgian Dream, Kakha Kaladze, commented on the police's violent dispersal of the protest. According to him, the road blockade was met with an "appropriate response."
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"Freedom of speech and expression is protected in the country. Every individual has the right to express their opinions in various ways, but it is essential that this be done within the framework of the law. The moment we observe a deviation from the law, it will naturally be met with an appropriate response from the relevant authorities.
Everyone in the country has the right to express their opinion in different ways, but the key is that it must comply with the law. Once someone steps outside the bounds of the law, there will be a corresponding response.
No one will be allowed to violate the law in the country, organize picketing, or disrupt the daily lives of society and individuals. We will not permit anyone to engage in such actions.
There is a law, and anyone can express their opinion. However, when picketing is intentional, and roads are blocked without sufficient justification or participants, this will, of course, elicit an appropriate response," said Kaladze.
On November 19, in the early hours of the morning, the Ministry of Internal Affairs began dispersing a peaceful protest that had been ongoing since the evening of November 17 on Chavchavadze Avenue near Tbilisi State University. Organized by the opposition, the rally was held to protest the alleged falsification of parliamentary elections and to demand new elections.
Around 06:00 a.m., patrol police, special forces, and a water cannon vehicle arrived at Chavchavadze Avenue. By 06:45 a.m., the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a 15-minute ultimatum for protesters to clear the roadway and restore traffic.
As law enforcement began to occupy the area near TSU and dismantle tents, the protesters moved to Melikishvili Avenue, where detentions continued. Several participants reported being sprayed with pepper spray.
According to Public Defender Levan Ioseliani, when arrests began on Melikishvili Avenue, the rally remained peaceful and adhered to the standards of freedom of assembly.
Sergi Baramidze, an operator for the Mtavari Arkhi television company, was forcibly detained while performing his professional duties on Melikishvili Avenue. Police officers physically assaulted Mindia Gabadze, a journalist for the Publica publication, and obstructed Mariam Nikuradze of OC Media and Givi Avaliani of Netgazeti from carrying out their work.
In total, 16 people were administratively detained during the rally on charges of petty hooliganism and disobedience to police orders. Of these, three were released after signing handwritten statements. Two protesters required emergency medical attention, including Coalition for Change member Nika Kvitatiani, who was taken to a clinic. Kvitatiani alleged that Goga Memanishvili was struck in the face by the deputy head of the Tbilisi Patrol Police.
