Photo: Palitra News
According to information released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 14 individuals were detained last night on Rustaveli Avenue under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. Lawyers from non-governmental organizations attempted, without success, to gather information about the whereabouts and health conditions of the detainees.
Most of the detainees were unable to properly communicate with their family members or lawyers, and details about several detainees are still being clarified. They are being held in various temporary detention centers across Tbilisi. In conversations with their lawyers, the detainees reported being physically and verbally abused by law enforcement officers during their detention.
It is still unclear when their cases will be brought to hear in court.
We call on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to:
Ensure that all detainees are allowed to contact their family members;
Provide lawyers with timely information about the detention centers where their clients are being held, and ensure they can meet with them without obstruction;
Ensure that detainees are promptly brought to court and that their detention is not unjustifiably extended beyond 48 hours.
We call on the Special Investigation Service to:
Conduct a thorough and objective investigation into the use of excessive force by law enforcement officers, the alleged arbitrary arrests, physical violence against detainees, and other related incidents.
Lawyers from the signatory organizations will continue to engage with the detainees and represent their interests in court.
For legal assistance in case of arrest at a rally, please contact our hotline: #577 07 05 63.
Signatory organizations:
Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA)
Transparency International - Georgia (TI)
Social Justice Center (SJC)
Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI)
Rights Georgia (RG)
International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)
Human Rights Center (HRC)
Partnership for Human Rights (PHR)
Civil Society Foundation (CSF)
Women's Initiatives Supporting Group (WISG)
