Georgian police have detained eight demonstrators who were trying to set up a tent in front of the parliament building earlier today.
The Interior Ministry has announced that the individuals were detained for ‘disobedience to the lawful request’ of law enforcement officers.
Patrol police representatives offered protesters several times an alternative place to set up a tent. It is notable that the protesters had their tent set up near the legislative body for several months, which remained intact and police did not interfere”, the interior ministry said.
The ministry has called on the organisers and participants of the rally ‘to maintain public order, refrain from extremely provocative actions, verbal abuse of police officers and follow the rightful demands of law enforcers’.
During protest rallies, police officers detained 8 people in accordance with Article 173 of Code of Administrative Offenses.
— MIA of Georgia (@MIAofGeorgia) February 21, 2021
MIA calls on organizers & participants of the rally to maintain public order and follow the rightful demands of law enforcers.https://t.co/PcgpmmPREx
Demonstrators had gathered in front of the parliament building earlier today to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Georgian constitution.
Shame Movement, comprised of young civic activists, cited the articles from the first constitution: "Citizens of the Republic of Georgia have the right to assemble in public and unarmed, both indoors and outdoors, without the consent of the government".
Civil activists are protesting against the fact that @MIAofGeorgia law enforcers do not allow them to protest by setting up tents over the 100th anniversary of the Georgian Constitution. Several activists have been dმarrested. https://t.co/GpSMte1Ose pic.twitter.com/yuKy8giivE
— Shame Movement (@Shamemovement) February 21, 2021
Following the confrontation with law enforcers the civic activists have been eventually detained. The interior ministry said in its statement that 'to ensure public safety, rule of law, prevention and foiling of illegal actions' to set up a tent in front of the parliament building is retsricted by law.