The Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani, stated that when the Ministry of Internal Affairs began arresting protesters on Melikishvili Avenue, the demonstration was peaceful. Ioseliani called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure the freedom of peaceful assembly for the protesters and to refrain from obstructing journalists in the performance of their duties. He also emphasized that the Ministry should adhere strictly to the principles of necessity and proportionality when using detention measures and special means.
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"At the time (08:18, 19.11.2024), when the Ministry of Internal Affairs began arresting participants of the rally on Melikishvili Avenue, the rally was peaceful and in compliance with the standards of freedom of assembly. At that time, there may have been instances of improper treatment of citizens by the police or the use of excessive force. As per reports, among those arrested is journalist Sergi Baramidze, who, as is known, was engaged in professional activities at the time of his arrest," the Public Defender says, emphasizing that interference with a journalist's professional activities is not allowed.
According to the Public Defender’s office, their representatives will visit the detained citizens and those who have been physically injured and taken to clinics.
Additionally, the Public Defender has called on the Special Investigation Service to investigate each case showing signs of potential criminal conduct against journalists or demonstrators and to keep the public informed.
In the early hours of November 19, the Ministry of Internal Affairs began dispersing the peaceful protest that had been ongoing since the evening of November 17 on Chavchavadze Avenue, near the Tbilisi State University building. At the opposition-organized rally, citizens protested the alleged falsification of parliamentary elections and demanded new elections.
Patrol police officers, special forces, and a water cannon vehicle appeared on Chavchavadze Avenue around 06:00 in the morning. At around 06:45, the Ministry of Internal Affairs gave the protesters a 15-minute deadline to clear the roadway and restore traffic.
After the special forces began occupying the area surrounding TSU and dismantling the tents, the protesters moved to Melikishvili Avenue, where the arrests continued. Several rally participants told the media that they were sprayed with pepper spray.
The exact number of citizens arrested at the rally is still unknown. However, based on available information, the number exceeds ten. Sergi Baramidze, an operator for the Mtavari Arkhi television company, was arrested by force on Melikishvili Avenue while performing his professional duties. He was released with a handwritten note about an hour later.
