At just after 11.30pm on April 30, the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs instructed its “Speznaz” police forces to remove the protesters, who had begun gathering at 7pm and were peacefully upholding their right to assemble, from the vicinity of the parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi.
Approaching down the two side streets to either side of the building, and along Rustaveli Avenue from Liberty (Freedom) Square, hundreds of special forces, wearing helmets and carrying shields, alongside groups of special forces with no insignia, and several “Robocops” (water cannon), pushed the protesters back towards the old Marriott hotel.
At various times in the past 3 hours they have run the water cannons and shot tear gas both long-distance into the peaceful crowd and close to the holding line. Several protestors have been attacked physically by members of the special forces and pulled back behind the “speznaz” police force line. Their whereabouts and condition is unknown, as media is denied access.
The crowds disburse when the air is too gas-filled to breathe in, and then return in force. There is a sense of anger, indignation and determination, but no fear, from the thousands still gathered, who shout “Slaves!” “Sa-kar-tve-lo!” and “No Russian law!”
The Public Defender has called on the investigative bodies to conduct an effective investigation into the facts of the use of disproportionate force and the injury of media representatives.
Two leading watchdogs, Transparency International-Georgia and Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association issued statements regarding the violent dispersal of peaceful demonstrators on April 30, saying the law enforcers used disproportionate force against the protesters and calling on relevant authorities to investigate:
“As a result of use of force by the MIA some of the demonstrators were beaten and there are reports of rubber bullets, tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon being used. The tactics used by the police to detain or surround the participants and prevent them from leaving the area violate international norms and the right to peaceful assembly.”
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili said: “Totally unwarranted, unprovoked and out of proportion use of force ongoing in Tbilisi against peaceful protesters. Full responsibility falls entirely on the government. Right of peaceful protest is denied to the Georgian people.”
