The parliamentary and non-parliamentary opposition demand the punishment of the Minister of Internal Affairs in response to the beating of the chairman of the "United National Movement" by special forces. They assert that Levan Khabeishvili became a victim of deliberate revenge.
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"This violent attack on a political opponent is a criminal act, and all those involved must be punished. First and foremost, Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Vakhtang Gomelauri, should face consequences. All opposition parties unanimously condemn the violence perpetrated against Georgian citizens and opposition leaders," stated MP Tamar Kordzaia at today's briefing.
The representatives of the opposition parties reminded the policemen that employing force against civilians is a crime and urged them not to obey the illegal orders of the "anti-Georgian regime."
The chairman of the "United National Movement," Deputy Levan Khabeishvili, stated that last night, the director of the Special Tasks Department, Zviad Kharazishvili, also known as "Khareb," executed a targeted punitive measure against him. Khabeishvili's nose bones are broken, his teeth are shattered, and his eye is damaged.
"They continued beating for about 10-15 minutes. While they beat me, they told me: 'you have a long tongue and criticize the government all the time, maybe you should stop.' They shouted: 'kill him and then say that he hit his head.' They said that I should have said that I am a cripple, and in that case, they would not abuse me anymore," Khabeishvili said in parliament, where he arrived today in a wheelchair.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, did not confirm the MP's claim of being beaten. During today's briefing, he stated that Levan Khabeishvili himself broke through the police cordon and resisted the officers, resulting in his injury.
Mass demonstrations against the Russian Law have been taking place every day in Tbilisi since April 15. On April 30, the Ministry of Internal Affairs dispersed peaceful protestors as they demanded that deputies of the "Georgian Dream" who support the Russian Law leave the parliament in peace. Pepper spray, water cannons, and tear gas were deployed against the citizens, actions that the public defender argued lacked basis from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). Additionally, special forces reportedly mistreated civilians. Journalists also sustained injuries during the rally. The Ministry of Internal Affairs administratively arrested 63 individuals on grounds of petty hooliganism and disobedience to police orders.
