The Ministry of Internal Affairs says 11 individuals have been arrested so far on administrative charges during today’s rally protesting the “Russian law.”
Law enforcement officers used pepper spray against the demonstrators. A physical confrontation between special forces and demonstrators continues. Water cannon are on standby, alongside hundreds of special police forces.
The Public Defender of Georgia called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure the protection of the freedom of expression and assembly of all citizens in a safe environment and to follow the relevant international standards in case of use of force.
For the first few hours of protest, the crowds were jovial- singing, chanting and shouting “No Russian law.”
Discussion of the draft law “On transparency of foreign influence” will continue in the first reading at the plenary session of the Parliament tomorrow, April 17.
