The Ministry of Internal Affairs on Wednesday denied claims circulating in the media that it operated a special headquarters at Tbilisi State University during the November 18–19 protests on Melikishvili Avenue.
In a statement, the MIA emphasized, “Neither a headquarters nor personnel from the Special Tasks Department were stationed in or near the university building during the mentioned period.”
The ministry clarified that criminal police officers entered the university courtyard only after participants of the rally lit several fires near the central entrance. According to the statement, “The courtyard and pantheon of Tbilisi State University are open spaces, accessible to the public, including rally participants who frequently use the area during demonstrations.”
The clarification comes amid opposition protests demanding re-elections following the contested October 26 parliamentary vote. Demonstrators had occupied areas around Tbilisi State University, leading to confrontations and police intervention.
