City Hall allows Oct. 4 rally stage at one location, citing transport and election-day rules

Tbilisi City Hall on Wednesday released a statement and documents regarding a letter submitted on behalf of Paata Burchuladze, leader of the Rustaveli Avenue movement, concerning a planned public gathering on October 4.

According to City Hall, the letter, dated September 29, requested permission to hold a public assembly at four locations on Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square, with the installation of stages and provision of necessary municipal equipment.

In its official response, City Hall informed the applicants that the stage may be set up at only one designated location in order to avoid disruption of traffic and ensure that the functioning of nearby facilities is not impeded.

The reply also emphasised legal restrictions related to election day, noting that Georgian law prohibits any obstruction of voter movement within 100 meters of polling stations, as well as gatherings within the same distance.

“Tbilisi residents’ right to peaceful assembly and protest is fully guaranteed under Georgian law. At the same time, organisers and participants of demonstrations are obliged to observe the provisions of the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations. Otherwise, measures prescribed by legislation will be enforced,” the statement reads.

The City Hall said the documents were made public due to the high level of public interest surrounding the planned gathering.