Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze stated that the police arrested over 400 people during the ten days of protests.
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"More than 30 individuals have been identified and held accountable during the actions conducted from November 28 to today. Additionally, 372 individuals have been arrested, and legal proceedings have been initiated against them. Of these, 62 have already been sentenced to administrative detention, and more than 100 have been fined as a form of punishment. Court proceedings for the remaining individuals are actively ongoing," Darakhvelidze stated at a briefing held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
According to him, over 150 police officers were injured "as a result of attacks by violent groups," with most requiring surgical intervention.
"Many police officers suffered burns, fractures, and injuries to the head and face. A simple analysis clearly indicates that the feeling of impunity may have been the driving factor behind this violence. This impunity emboldened perpetrators to act openly, without attempting to conceal their identities. This behavior may also be linked to prior preparation and training undertaken by the rally participants," said the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has welcomed the announcement of a law proposed by the Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, which will prohibit rally participants from covering their faces. According to Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, such legislation "will significantly contribute to maintaining a peaceful environment during gatherings and demonstrations, eliminate the sense of impunity among violent groups, and enable the police to promptly identify and appropriately punish offenders."
For the past 11 days, citizens have been protesting on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi against the suspension of negotiations on joining the European Union by Georgian Dream. The demonstration has been dispersed multiple times using water cannons, tear gas, and other special measures. Special forces and masked individuals have subjected hundreds of protesters to abuse and have also physically assaulted media representatives. According to the Public Defender's assessment, the location, nature, and severity of the injuries "create a credible impression" that the police employed violent methods to punish the protesters, amounting to torture.
