Photo: Palitra News
According to the information disseminated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, last night on Rustaveli Avenue, the police arrested 14 people on the basis of Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences.
During the last night, the attorneys of non-governmental organizations tried to find information about the whereabouts and health conditions of the detainees without success. Most of the detainees did not have the opportunity to properly communicate with their family members or attorneys, so far the information about some of the detainees is being clarified. Detainees are in different temporary detention cells in Tbilisi. In the conversation with the lawyers, they mention that during the arrest, the law enforcement officers physically and verbally abused them.
Currently, it is not known when the cases will be heard in court.
We call upon the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure that:
· All detainees have the opportunity to contact their family members;
· The attorneys of the detainees are provided with information on which temporary detention facilities the persons under their protection have been transferred to, and they are able to meet with them without hindrance;
· Arrested persons are brought to court immediately and the period of detention is not unjustifiably extended up to 48 hours.
We call upon Special Investigation Service:
· To ensure a complete and objective investigation of the use of disproportionate force by law enforcement officers, alleged arbitrary arrests, physical violence against detainees and other events.
The lawyers of the organizations who sign this statement continue to communicate with the detainees and defend their interests in court.
In case of arrest at the rally, contact us for legal assistance on the hotline: #577 07 05 63
Organizations that sign the statement:
Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association
Transparency International Georgia
Social Justice Center
Georgian Democracy Initiative
Rights Georgia
International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy
The Human Rights Center
Partnership for Human Rights
Civil Society Foundation
The Women’s Initiatives Supporting Group