The Democracy Research Institute considers that:
- Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili's statement that Mikheil Saakashvili and the radical opposition are behind the March of Dignity is a direct incentive for radical groups to use force against journalists and participants in the March of Dignity;
- Given that the gathering of violent groups was announced long ago and is not of a spontaneous nature, the extremely small number of police officers mobilized by the Ministry of Internal Affairs is clearly insufficient to tackle violence;
- The footage clearly shows the inaction of the police officers, who do not detain easily identifiable participants in the violence;
The Democracy Research Institute calls on the authorities to:
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Immediately ensure the mobilization of appropriate police forces against the violence of radical groups;
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Take appropriate measures immediately to regulate an assembly which is no longer of a peaceful nature;
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Immediately ensure the arrest of those involved in the assault on journalists and take legal action against them.