Public Defender’s Statement on Dispersal of May 1 Manifestation

“Media sources spread information about incident between demonstrators and law enforcement officers during the students’ manifestation dedicated to the International Workers’ Day organized by Laboratory 1918 in Rustaveli Avenue. As a result of the incident, several demonstrators including journalists were arrested.

Based on the spread video-footage, we can assume that law enforcement officers interfered into or/and hampered journalists to implement their professional activities in some cases. Georgian Public Defender again calls upon the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia to maximally ensure unhampered implementation of professional duties by journalists. Moreover, it is inadmissible to create some obstacles during their professional activities.

In parallel to it, proportionality and necessity of the used force by police officers against demonstrators shall be estimated and evaluated. On that purpose, representatives of the Georgian Public Defender continue collection of additional information about the incident and in near future the Public Defender will make public statement to lawfully evaluate the fact. Ombudsman’s representatives will also observe court proceedings where administrative liabilities of the demonstrators will be discussed.”

www.ombudsman.ge