Ruling party MP accuses opposition of campaign against police

First Deputy Chair of the parliamentary faction of the ruling party, Levan Machavariani, has accused the "radical opposition" and its affiliated media outlets of conducting a campaign to discredit Georgia's police force.

In a social media post on Monday, Machavariani responded to remarks by Vika Pilpani, a member of the opposition party For Georgia, who referred to the police as the ruling party's "personal hooligan gang".

Machavariani argued that misconduct by police officers does not go unpunished under the current government and said that officers who engage in violence damage not only the reputation of the institution but also that of thousands of law-abiding police personnel.

According to him, approximately 45,000 police officers serve in Georgia, and while abuses of authority can occur in any profession, the government's approach is to ensure accountability regardless of position or status.

He said police officers found to have violated the law are held responsible and cited investigations involving both public officials and law enforcement personnel as evidence that no individual is above the law.

Machavariani also claimed that Georgian police operate according to higher standards than their counterparts in some European countries, particularly in their handling of protests and public demonstrations. He referred to incidents in several European states that have drawn criticism over the use of force by law enforcement officers.

The ruling party lawmaker praised Georgian police officers for their role in maintaining public safety and security, describing their work as one of the country's most respected professions.

He also pledged political support for law enforcement personnel against what he characterised as attempts by opposition groups and media organisations to undermine public trust in the police.