Police urges protesters in Tbilisi demanding election rerun to clear “blockage” of central streets

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs on Tuesday issued a formal statement addressing an ongoing protest demanding new parliamentary elections that has occupied the area around Chavchavadze Avenue and Varaziskhevi in central Tbilisi for the past two days, “disrupting traffic with artificial roadblocks, including construction materials”.

While reaffirming the constitutional right to assembly, manifestation, and expression, the Ministry emphasized the need to balance such freedoms with public safety, the smooth operation of essential services, and the rights of nearby residents, workers, and businesses.

Citing Georgia’s Law On Assemblies and Manifestations, the Ministry underlined that blocking traffic roadways with objects or vehicles is prohibited, regardless of the protest size. It stressed that demonstrations should not deliberately disrupt citizens’ daily lives or interfere with transportation.

Protesters, the Ministry noted, had been allowed sufficient time to express their grievances but must now clear the affected area in accordance with the law.

In a call for compliance, the Ministry granted organizers and participants a 15-minute window to dismantle road obstructions and restore traffic flow. Failure to do so will prompt enforcement actions under Georgian law, including the Law On Police, it said.

The Ministry concluded by urging demonstrators to adhere to the legal requirements and cooperate with police directives to ensure public order and the uninterrupted rhythm of city life.