The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has reported the detention of 48 individuals during the dispersal of a protest in Tbilisi on the night of Saturday, 6th December. According to the ministry, the arrests were made under administrative charges of disobedience to police orders and petty hooliganism, under Articles 166 and 173 of the Administrative Offences Code.
High-Profile Arrests
Among those detained was Beka Korshia, a journalist for the television channel Mtavari. According to his lawyer, Korshia was apprehended by special forces while walking on Javakhishvili Street towards the Galaktioni Bridge after the protest dispersal on Rustaveli Avenue had already taken place.
Tsotne Koberidze
Also detained was Tsotne Koberidze, a member of the Coalition for Change and a sitting member of the Georgian Parliament. Although Koberidze has formally submitted his resignation, his parliamentary mandate has yet to be officially revoked. Koberidze alleged that he was physically assaulted and subjected to derogatory remarks during his arrest. He recounted the incident on social media, stating: “They took a photo with me and mocked me, saying, ‘We’re rooting for you. So, when will you save the country?’ They then brought me to Chichinadze Street and beat me for about a minute. However, at the police station, I was treated well.”
Reports also emerged of the arrest of Zurab Alavidze, a former Deputy Minister of Economy, along with his son. Meanwhile, footage circulated of a middle-aged woman tearfully speaking about the detention of her 19-year-old son, who suffers from severe epilepsy. She claimed that despite informing law enforcement officers of his medical condition and pleading for his release, her concerns were initially ignored. The Georgian Public Defender’s Office later intervened, securing the young man’s release.
Reasons for the Dispersal
The Georgian Interior Ministry defended the police actions, citing aggressive behaviour from some protesters, which allegedly included firing fireworks at police and the parliament building, throwing stones, and verbally assaulting officers. These actions, according to the ministry, necessitated the use of force to break up the demonstration.
Ombudsman’s Criticism
Contrary to the ministry’s claims, the Georgian Ombudsman’s Office disputed the justification for the police intervention. According to the Ombudsman, the protest was peaceful at the time of the dispersal, and there were no legal grounds for the authorities to interfere with the demonstrators’ right to assemble.
Image source: newsgeorgia.ge
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