MIA detains 8 more individuals over October 4 protest - total number of arrests reaches 44

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has detained eight additional individuals in connection with the incidents that occurred during the October 4 protest in Tbilisi, the Deputy Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze said on Thursday, adding law enforcement officers continue to identify and bring to justice those responsible for “unlawful and violent” actions committed during the demonstration.

He noted, in total, 44 people have been detained in connection with the case.

“The investigation established that despite multiple public calls from the Ministry urging participants to keep the protest peaceful and within the bounds of the law, the accused individuals engaged in unlawful and violent acts on Atoneli Street,” Darakhvelidze added.

He said video surveillance footage and media recordings revealed that some of the detainees verbally and physically assaulted police officers, throwing various heavy objects and stones at them. The group also attempted to break into the Presidential Palace, damaging the perimeter fence.