The Democracy Research Centre responds to the events of November 29, when the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) unjustifiably and disproportionately dispersed a peaceful protest, attacked peaceful demonstrators, and arrested them with extreme cruelty. DRC emphasizes that the violence used by the police has no connection to lawful policing measures. The physical injuries sustained by at least 22 journalists on November 29 also demonstrate that journalists, who were broadcasting live or documenting the dispersal of peaceful demonstrators, were deliberately targeted by MIA.

On the evening of November 28, a large-scale protest began in Tbilisi around 8 PM. The protest was triggered by a statement from Irakli Kobakhidze, announcing that “Georgian Dream” had decided to suspend negotiations with the European Union until the end of 2028.

A significant number of law enforcement officers were quickly mobilized in the area surrounding the protest near the Parliament. From the start of the protest, MIA blocked Chichinadze and Chitadze streets near the Parliament building, making access to the Parliament impossible from Zubalashvili, Shevchenko, and Ingorokva streets. At the same time, parts of the special task forces, along with specialized equipment, were stationed at the Freedom Square.

At approximately 2 am, MIA issued a statement on social media “warning” demonstrators that failure to comply with law enforcement instructions would result in the use of coercive measures. Despite the absence of legal grounds for dispersing the protest, law enforcement authorities unlawfully dispersed peaceful demonstrators just minutes after the statement was released.

Initially, law enforcement used special means (pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons) on Chichinadze Street, in violation of warning protocols, following intermittent confrontations between police and demonstrators. At approximately 2:30 AM, special task forces and a water cannon vehicle moved from Freedom Square towards peaceful demonstrators and attempted to clear the area using special means.

Demonstrators reported that the water cannon was mixed with tear gas, which the Ministry of Internal Affairs itself confirmed in a statement on October 21, 2024. According to Amnesty International guidelines, special means established by law should only be used proportionately, lawfully, and with minimal intensity. Furthermore, water cannons and tear gas are to be used only when necessary to handle the demonstration where a high degree of violence is present. The document denounces the simultaneous use of these means.

In addition to the unlawful use of special means, law enforcement officers physically attacked demonstrators. Representatives of the Special Tasks Department pursued demonstrators until 7 am, encircled them, and brutally attacked them, including journalists and politicians.

According to the MIA’s internal guidelines, representatives of the agency are obligated not to obstruct journalists covering an assembly in their professional activities. During the protest, MIA representatives physically attacked 22 journalists while they were performing their professional duties. The nature of some physical injuries sustained by protest participants indicates that the injuries (mostly to the face and head) were acts of retaliation specifically targeting journalists and politicians.

The MIA’s guidelines stipulate that law enforcement officials should use physical force proportionately, only as a last resort, and in the minimal amount required for a specific situation. According to the organization’s assessment, in none of the cases was there a legitimate basis for the use of physical force.

According to information disseminated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 43 people were detained during the protest for failing to comply with lawful police orders and for minor hooliganism. According to lawyers from the coalition of non-governmental organizations, the majority of detainees were beaten, and the whereabouts of some remain unknown.

The Democracy Research Institute calls on:

• Law enforcement representatives: To refuse to carry out unlawful orders and to act in accordance with Georgian legislation and professional ethics.
• The Special Investigation Service: To immediately investigate crimes committed by law enforcement officials and act in accordance with the law.