Tbilisi mayor says protests must remain within the law

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has said that everyone has the right to express their views and hold protests in Georgia, provided they do so within the limits of the law.

Speaking following the sentencing of Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the Strong Georgia - Lelo political alliance, Kaladze said freedom of speech and expression are protected in Georgia but warned that violations of the law would prompt a response from the authorities.

“Freedom of speech and expression is protected in this country. Everyone knows that. Anyone can express their views on any issue, including by holding a protest or gathering with others. There is no problem with that,” Kaladze said.

“Everything has its rules. There are legal frameworks and laws. Everyone should express their views within the law. Any actions that go beyond the law will always be met with an appropriate response,” he added.

Asked whether the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe Party, a European political party that cooperates with Strong Georgia – Lelo, should distance itself from “unlawful actions” by members of the Georgian opposition alliance, Kaladze said he did not expect such a move.

Instead, he alleged that external actors had encouraged political unrest in Georgia in recent years and claimed they had supported violent and extremist groups.

“I have no illusion that they will distance themselves from Lelo. What we have seen in recent years has been directed from outside. Orders come from abroad. They will not distance themselves from this. On the contrary, they may even encourage it."

Kaladze further alleged that foreign actors had financed violent groups and would continue to support efforts to increase pressure on the Georgian Government.