Georgian Interior Ministry denies allegations of illegally confiscating detainees’ belongings amid protests

The Ministry of Internal Affairs on Friday rejected claims that its officers illegally confiscated personal belongings from detainees during recent protests against the Government’s decision last month to halt EU accession talks until 2028, calling the reports “false and aimed at discrediting law enforcement.”

The controversy follows multiple allegations, including reports that riot police confiscated items such as clothes, shoes, mobile phones, and wallets from detainees. The Public Defender’s Office stated that many detainees reported the seizure of personal belongings, including valuables like phones, laptops, and money, with their whereabouts remaining unknown.

The MIA countered these accusations by citing legal provisions under Article 26 of the Law “On Police” and Article 249 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which permit the temporary seizure of items in certain cases. It maintained that all confiscated items were returned to detainees in accordance with the law upon their release.

“The information spread about the illegal confiscation of personal belongings is a lie and serves only to discredit the agency and law enforcement officers,” the MIA claimed.