Tbilisi Mayor defends protest laws, claims Georgia protects freedoms

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has defended Georgia's record on civil liberties and security, arguing that citizens are free to protest and express their views while warning that violent attempts to change the government are unacceptable.

Commenting on recommendations contained in a memorandum by Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty, Kaladze said freedom of speech, assembly and expression is protected in Georgia "as never before."

"Anyone can express their views and opinions on various issues. People can hold demonstrations and protests. No one is restricted today. Freedom of speech, expression and assembly is protected in this country as never before," Kaladze told reporters.

The mayor rejected international criticism of Georgia's transparency law and other legislation adopted by the ruling party, arguing that the laws are aimed at protecting the country's independence, sovereignty and national interests.

He claimed that opponents of the transparency law have failed to provide convincing arguments against it and alleged that restrictions on foreign funding have prevented what he described as the financing of radical groups and attempts to destabilize the state.

Addressing allegations of excessive force by law enforcement officers during protests, Kaladze said investigations remain ongoing and that some officers have already been identified, with criminal proceedings launched in relevant cases.

The Tbilisi mayor also commented on the October 4 events, describing them as an attempt to force political change through violence rather than democratic processes.

"Months of campaigning were directed toward preparing for a revolution and the overthrow of the government," Kaladze said, alleging that demonstrators attempted to breach the Presidential Administration compound before security agencies intervened.

He stressed that changing the government must occur through elections and not through violent actions.

Separately, Kaladze condemned both verbal and physical abuse in public discourse, saying political disagreements and criticism should be expressed without insults.

"We must learn to listen to different opinions and criticism. Many people think verbal abuse is criticism, but it is not," he said.