The Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced that 17 and 21-year-olds have been arrested on charges of attacking police officers and damaging property by setting fire to it during the ongoing protests in Tbilisi. The crimes are punishable by up to 7 years in prison.
An investigation is underway into “all criminal acts committed by violent groups” within the framework of the ongoing protests under Articles 187 and 353 of the Criminal Code.
“The investigation established that on November 29 of this year, during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, on April 9 Street, the accused [born in 2003] G.M. injured an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in various parts of his body as a result of throwing pyrotechnics, who was provided with appropriate medical assistance. Meanwhile, [born in 2007] M.G. threw an incendiary object into the legislative building on the same day, which caused a fire in one of the rooms of the parliament building.
As a result of the investigative actions carried out by law enforcement officers, both defendants were arrested in Tbilisi.
“We would also like to inform the public that within the framework of the ongoing investigation, three individuals have been arrested on charges of attacking police officers and damaging property by setting fire to it.
“The investigation is ongoing at the Ministry of Internal Affairs with the aim of identifying and detaining all perpetrators of the crime.
“We would like to reiterate that each unlawful act will be followed by appropriate legal action by law enforcement officers,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.
The ministry says 21 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs sustained injuries during the protest rally taking place on Rustaveli Avenue on December 1-2. They claim that some of the injured have serious injuries to the head, face and various parts of the body.
MIA says a total of 113 employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs have been injured during the recent protests, four of whom are still in medical institutions.
In addition, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has shared information about the individuals who have been detained in recent days on charges of petty hooliganism, resistance to the police, and disobedience during the protest rally held near the Parliament of Georgia. A total of 224 individuals have been detained under the Code of Administrative Offenses, they say.
“Among the detained individuals, administrative case materials for 98 individuals were submitted to the Tbilisi City Court, of which the proceedings were completed against 74 individuals. Out of the 74 completed cases, a fine was applied to 36 individuals;
“Administrative imprisonment was applied to 34 individuals; and a warning was applied to four. Administrative offense cases against the remaining individuals continue in the courts,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs states.
By Ana Dumbadze
Header image: IPN
