The Public Defender’s Office of Georgia continues to monitor the assembly in the vicinity of the Parliament in Tbilisi.

At about 22:00 on April 16, 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia started using force against the participants in the rally. According to media reports, the so-called pepper spray was used.

The Public Defender of Georgia emphasizes once again that interference with freedom of assembly is permissible only when the rally takes a violent and/or illegal nature, at the same time the use of force must meet the strict test of necessity and proportionality.

The Public Defender of Georgia calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure the protection of freedom of expression and assembly of all citizens in a safe environment, and in case of use of force, to comply with relevant international standards.