Georgian PM: ‘many protesters and offenders should expect appropriate measures’

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday said law enforcement agencies would continue to take action against those involved in recent unrest, warning that “many protesters and offenders should expect appropriate measures.”

Speaking in an interview with Rustavi 2, Kobakhidze stated that the Government had repeatedly warned organisers and participants ahead of the October 4 events that authorities possess the resources to identify individuals involved in violence.

“Today, special operations are still underway - several offenders will be detained today, and this process will continue,” the Prime Minister said.

Kobakhidze said Georgia had witnessed five externally supported attempts to stage a revolution over the past four years, the latest of which was also prevented by the state.

“We cannot wait for a sixth, seventh, or eighth attempt. Our main task is to ensure that no one dares to try again. All those involved in the violence and in the attack on the President’s residence will be held accountable before the law,” he stressed.

Kobakhidze said that many individuals who took part in the assault have already been identified, with some hiding in apartments or fleeing to the regions.

“All declared organisers have been detained. Now we are focusing on those who directly attacked the President’s residence. These are members of youth extremist groups who had a specific task - to storm the state itself. But that attempt failed,” Kobakhidze said.