On 17 December 2018, Public Defender Nino Lomjaria met with the leaders of the United Opposition, Grigol Vashadze and Tinatin Bokuchava. The theme of the meeting held on the initiative of the opposition leaders was the rally held on the inauguration day on December 16 and demonstrations to be held by the opposition in the future.

The Public Defender urged the opposition to ensure peaceful form of assemblies and demonstrations as much as possible. She also called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to take all available measures for the realization of the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

"When political temperature is high and environment is tensed in the country, political leaders should undertake responsibility for the peaceful development of rallies. Grigol Vashadze shares this position and says that he supports only legal forms.

As for yesterday's developments in Velistsikhe, I would like to note once again that it is necessary to ensure timely communication between the opposition and law enforcers in order to avoid similar incidents and escalation of confrontation," Nino Lomjaria told journalists.

The Public Defender also called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to conduct an objective and impartial investigation into the cases of physical assault on protesters and police officers.

The Public Defender's Office will study the events developed during the opposition rally on December 16 and will respond to them within her mandate. The Public Defender's Office will also monitor the rallies planned by the opposition.