Georgian MIA detains 16 more individuals over October 4 events, total arrests rise to 62

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has detained 16 additional individuals in connection with the October 4 events in Tbilisi, bringing the total number of arrests to 62, Interior Minister Geka Geladze announced at a briefing on Friday.

The Minister said criminal prosecution has also been initiated against two individuals residing abroad, one of whom is Irakli Shaishmelashvili.

“As the public is aware, the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is conducting an active investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for the unlawful and violent actions committed on October 4 - specifically, the attempted seizure of the Georgian President’s Palace and the overthrow of the constitutional order, during which dozens of law enforcement officers were injured,” said Geladze.

He confirmed that 16 individuals were arrested today, while the total number of detainees now stands at 62. The two individuals abroad face charges related to incitement to overthrow the constitutional order through violence, attempted seizure of strategic state facilities and organisation or participation in group violence, among other offenses.

“Evidence, including video footage, clearly shows that the detained individuals, along with the protest organisers, broke through the barriers near the President’s Palace on Atoneli Street and attempted to storm the building. As a result of their violent and unlawful actions, 35 police officers sustained injuries, most of them to the head area,” the Minister stated.

Geladze emphasised that investigative actions are ongoing to identify and prosecute all individuals involved. He also expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers for their professionalism and restraint during the unrest.

“Everyone saw that our police officers acted with the highest level of discipline and in full accordance with the law. This was a well-executed operation that successfully prevented an attempted coup. The coordinated actions of the police, the Special State Protection Service and other units once again demonstrated the strength and organization of Georgia’s law enforcement system,” he said.

Geladze concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s firm stance:

“We will act with the utmost strictness against anyone who attempts to undermine the stability of our country or the rule of law. Anyone who raises a hand against the state or its officers will face justice to the fullest extent of the law”, the Minister said.