Members of Alt-Info today rallied at the house of civic activist Nata Peradze, in downtown Tbilisi, protesting against her damaging the Saint Matrona icon at the Sameba (Holy Trinity) Cathedral, an icon on which Stalin is depicted.
The police blocked off the road that leads to the residential area to prevent the crowd from reaching the building. The Ministry of Internal Affairs said that law enforcers were in attendance to protect public order.
The MIA also called on protesters to act within the Law on Freedom of Expression and Public Assembly.
Nata Peradze released a photo and video on social media showing the icon of Matrona with blue paint sprayed on it.
On January 9, the Ministry of Internal Affairs launched a probe under Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offenses in response to the incident at the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi. The ministry forwarded the case materials to the court for further proceedings.
Related story: Investigation launched into paint attack on St. Matrona icon, on which Stalin is depicted
