The Public Defender issues a statement regarding the confrontation on September 8 near Kakha Kaladze’s election headquarters on Melikishvili Avenue.
The Ombudsman responded to the events that unfolded on Melikishvili Avenue near Kakha Kaladze’s election headquarters, calling on protest participants, on the one hand, to refrain from obstructing the operations of the “Georgian Dream” headquarters if they choose to hold a rally at the same location. On the other hand, the Ombudsman emphasized that the authorities are obliged to create a safe and conducive environment for the full exercise of the freedom of peaceful assembly.
Additionally, the statement notes that multiple instances were recorded where several individuals used gestures with sexual connotations against demonstrators. The Public Defender explicitly states that offensive, degrading, or humiliating behavior of a sexual nature is unacceptable under Georgian legislation and, in some cases, constitutes a punishable act.
“On September 8, a confrontation took place on Melikishvili Avenue near Kakha Kaladze’s election headquarters between participants of an anti-government rally and individuals mobilized at the scene. Notably, information and video footage have been circulated regarding the obstruction of journalists’ professional activities, the seizure of their phones, and physical assaults against them. Additionally, law enforcement officers mobilized at the scene were likely targeted by violence.
First and foremost, the Public Defender emphasizes that a healthy electoral environment is the foundation of a democratic society, which is significantly undermined by various types of attacks carried out by individuals involved in this process. Ongoing events and past experiences clearly demonstrate that polarization is a systemic challenge accompanying the pre-election period. To address this, it is crucial for those involved to contribute to creating an environment that ensures fair, peaceful, and equal elections.
While the freedom of assembly includes the right to choose the location of a protest, the exercise of this right should not lead to excessive restrictions on the rights of others or the activities of the election headquarters. Therefore, the Public Defender calls on the participants of the gathering to refrain from actions that could potentially disrupt the operations of the ‘Georgian Dream’ election headquarters if they choose to hold a rally at the same location (Melikishvili Avenue) in the future.
At the same time, the Public Defender stresses that the authorities are obliged to create a safe and conducive environment for the full exercise of the freedom of peaceful assembly. To achieve this, it may be necessary to mobilize a sufficient number of law enforcement officers at the scene, take timely measures to prevent and suppress violent actions, and ensure a safe distance between rally participants and other individuals gathered at the location,” the Public Defender stated.
The Ombudsman described the violent actions directed at journalists present at the scene as alarming.
“It is also noteworthy that during the gathering, the legislation provides a special protection regime for journalists covering the events, stemming from their critical role in disseminating independent, impartial, and objective information about the gathering. Accordingly, the violent actions and obstructions to their work are particularly alarming.
Furthermore, multiple instances were recorded where several individuals used gestures with sexual connotations against demonstrators. The Public Defender explicitly states that offensive, degrading, or humiliating behavior of a sexual nature is unacceptable under Georgian legislation and, in some cases, constitutes a punishable act. Additionally, there were degrading, belittling, and stereotypical statements directed at women. The Public Defender once again calls on both government officials and representatives of political parties to refrain from using such statements against women.
Within the scope of its mandate, the Public Defender will oversee the investigation. The Public Defender calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor’s Office to hold all guilty parties accountable within a tight timeframe,” the Public Defender’s statement reads.
The Ombudsman: I call on the participants of the gathering to refrain from actions that may disrupt the operations of the ‘Georgian Dream’ headquarters. At the same time, the authorities are obliged to create a safe environment for the exercise of the freedom of peaceful assembly
