Statement by the Human Rights Center

On May 7 opposition supporters held a rally in front of the Tbilisi Main Police Department where they requested the release of three activists who had physically assaulted a journalist of the Public Broadcasting. The opposition supporters were informed that the activist detainees were tortured and  treated inhumanely in their detention..

Last night police physically assaulted the opposition leaders and their supporters. While supposedly establishing the public order the law enforcers seriously injured several leaders and opposition supporters: Gia Maisashvili, Davit Gamkrelidze, Shalva Ogbaidze, Levan Gachechiladze and Gia Gachechiladze, as well as a correspondent of the Public Broadcasting- Salome Kokiashvili, a camera-man of the TV Company “Kavkasia”-Zaza Shukvani, a cameraman of the Rustavi 2-Levan Kalandia; Nino Komakhidze-journalist of the newspaper “Versia” and Ana Khavtasi – photo-reporter. These people were injured by things that are prohibited by law such as blunt instrument, stones and plastic bullets.

According to the Law of Georgia on Police, while implementing professional duties an officer of the special service agency of the state security is entitled to use special sources: irons or other restraints, rubber truncheons, tear gas, light-sound equipment for psychological oppression, means to destroy the obstacle and to stop transport, armored car and other special transport means, water cannon, equipment for electric shock, search dog and technical means for controlling individuals..

Stones and plastic bullets are not on the abovementioned list. Consequently, according to the legislation the police did not have the right to use the prohibited means against the people who gathered in front of the building of the Tbilisi Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Human Rights Center condemns the use of force against the demonstrators. The Center called upon the international organizations and diplomatic corps to react to the abovementioned violation.