According to available information, several participants of a protest held on Rustaveli Avenue on October 18 were detained. The police detained several individuals starting in the morning in connection with the protest, including activists Lara Nachkebia and Nino Svanidze. Reports are circulating on social media about the detention or transfer of several other individuals to police stations.
As stated by Nino Svanidze’s lawyer to Interpressnews, the alleged detention of their client is related to the protest rally.
Additionally, lawyer Nika Simonishvili claims that Lara Nachkebia was detained for standing on the sidewalk with a scarf. The lawyer links the detention to a recently adopted law that tightened regulations and legal responsibilities related to assemblies and demonstrations. According to this law, covering one’s face with a mask, possessing tear gas or toxic substances, blocking roads, or setting up temporary structures during a gathering or demonstration can result in administrative detention for up to 15 days on the first offense.
“The only thing they are accusing this person of is standing on the sidewalk with a scarf covering their face. They are not saying anything about participating in road blockages. The person was detained for standing on the sidewalk with a scarf. This article provides for up to 15 days of imprisonment, as stipulated by the recent amendments,” Nika Simonishvili told TV Pirveli.
Furthermore, one detainee’s lawyer stated that their client was detained in the courtyard of their residential building.
“They detained [the individual] in the courtyard of their residential building around 11:00 AM. Afterward, they informed the spouse that they were being taken to court for blocking the road, and they also said that only a fine of 5,000 GEL would be imposed, after which they would be released,” the lawyer said, adding that the Public Defender is involved in the case to coordinate and determine where the detainee is being held.
According to Teona Zakarashvili, the chief lawyer of Transparency International Georgia, several calls were received on the NGO’s hotline regarding the detention of citizens.
As the lawyer explains, they are not allowed to visit the alleged detainees until they are transferred to a temporary detention facility or court.
“Several calls were received on the NGO hotline regarding the detention of citizens. We are not given the opportunity to meet with the detained individuals until they are transferred to a temporary detention facility or court. We don’t know exactly what the Ministry of Internal Affairs is accusing them of. Presumably, we link it to the protests that have been ongoing in the capital for 325 days,” Teona Zakarashvili stated.
Additionally, Lasha Chkhartishvili, a member of the Labor Party, posted a video on social media showing law enforcement officers apparently detaining him.
“Down with Ivanishvili’s dictatorship, down with his slave-executioners,” Lasha Chkhartishvili declared as he was placed in a patrol police vehicle.
Interpressnews is attempting to obtain further details from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Based on available reports, on October 18, 2025, police detained several participants of a protest on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi
