Protests in defense of education and democracy took place in Tbilisi.
Marchs in defense of education and demands for the release of political prisoners took place in Tbilisi on the 451st day of protests.
As "Caucasian Knot" reported, on February 19, the 449th day of continuous protests outside the Georgian Parliament, activists filed a complaint to the Constitutional Court against legislative restrictions on freedom of assembly.
According to amendments to the Law "On Assemblies and Manifestations" adopted by the Georgian Parliament, restrictions previously imposed on holding rallies on roads also apply to sidewalks and pedestrian streets. To hold a march, a notification must be submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and violations are punishable by arrest. Repeated violations, such as blocking a sidewalk near a government building, will result in criminal prosecution.
A protest march under the slogan "Protect Education" is taking place from the Philharmonic to Parliament. Participants initially gathered near the Philharmonic, where they were joined by marchers from Tomsk State University's Building 1.
The protesters are carrying banners with various messages, as well as flags of Georgia, the United States, Ukraine, and the European Union.
The demonstrators will march to Rustaveli Avenue, where they will join the ongoing protesters. Their demands remain unchanged: new elections and the release of political prisoners.
Police have also been mobilized at the site, Interpressnews reported today.
This is the 451st day of the protest. The protesters occupied half the roadway, according to videos published by Publika.
Police are attempting to clear the roadway on Rustaveli Avenue of demonstrators, but the crowds simply cannot fit in the square in front of Parliament, Tbilisi Life reports.
Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces have violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and have detained protesters. Over 1,000 people have been subject to administrative prosecution during the protests. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "The Main Thing About the Persecution of Protest Participants in Georgia".
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