The Public Defender of Georgia has repeatedly explained that peaceful assembly is protected by international and national standards. It is inadmissible to call for the overthrow of the constitutional order of Georgia or its violent replacement during the organization and holding of an assembly or demonstration, therefore, it is important that the participants in the assembly do not go beyond the limits protected by law when expressing their protest. In addition, a special responsibility lies with the organizers of the rally, who are obliged to conduct the assembly peacefully and not to call on the participants to engage in unlawful violent actions; and, in the event of the use of force, the police must act in compliance with the strict test of necessity and proportionality.

In addition, in light of the protests ongoing in various locations in Tbilisi, it is important to ensure that participants in peaceful gatherings are not restricted from exercising their constitutionally protected rights and that police force is not used against them.

At the same time, media representatives must be able to carry out their activities without hindrance. The Public Defender reminds everyone that criminal liability is provided for unlawfully obstructing a journalist in his professional activities.