The Ministry of Internal Affairs released a statement regarding the removal and burning of the EU flag outside the parliament building, noting that law enforcement officers will identify and fine the violators.
“The Ministry of Internal Affairs, on the basis of Article 17418 under the Code of Administrative Offenses, launched administrative proceedings, which implies desecration of official symbols of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or other international organizations, or desecration of the flag or coat of arms of other states.
The law enforcement officers will identify and fine the violators. The Ministry of Internal Affairs calls on rally participants gathered near the Parliament not to go beyond the limits defined by the law on freedom of assembly and expression, observe the norms of public order, and follow the lawful requests of police.
Each act of violation will be immediately stopped by police and a strict legal response will follow,” reads the statement.
Earlier today, at the rally the violent, pro-Russian party Alt-Info held in front of the parliament building, participants took down the EU flag in front of the legislative body and burned it. They hung the Georgian flag there in its place.
