Demonstrators in Tbilisi protested against police violence
On the 680th day of continuous pro-European actions, the residents of Tbilisi demanded the release of political prisoners and an investigation into cases of police violence against detainees.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on October 7, on the 679th day of continuous protests, participants in the action on Rustaveli Avenue protested against the pro-Russian policies of the "Georgian Dream" and torture in prisons. Activist Sergey Kancheli, who had previously participated in protest actions, stated that he was forced to leave the country after being kidnapped by security forces and receiving threats.
The residents of Tbilisi gathered in the city center for a daily action in support of Georgia's Eurointegration. Near the parliament and city council buildings, activists expressed their protest against the policies of the "Georgian Dream," reports Netgazeti.
As in previous days, demonstrators brought national flags and EU flags with them. The action took place this evening on the 680th consecutive day, notes Publika.
Protesters held signs: "Police, we see and remember," "Freedom to the regime's prisoners," "When you detain people, your employees are not to blame?" and "Women also care about politics," according to photos published by photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili (Mo Se) on Facebook*.
According to a photo by Giorgi Mumladze, at the parliament building, where the roadway and part of the sidewalk are still fenced off with a metal barrier, at least 150 people gathered.
The Prosecutor's Office of Georgia reported during the day on the investigation of the case based on the statement of 23-year-old protest participant Sergey Kancheli. The case is being investigated under the article on exceeding the authority of law enforcement officers with the use of violence or weapons (paragraph "b" part 3 of article 333 of the Criminal Code of Georgia), reports the news agency "News Georgia."
Sergey Kancheli, who reported violence by plainclothes security forces, left Georgia after contacting the prosecutor's office. According to the activist, on September 27, security forces stopped him during a run and took him to the Kukia cemetery in Tbilisi, where they beat him for about an hour and threatened him. Kancheli stated that the security forces held a gun to his head and chest, cut his face with a knife, and also attempted sexual violence.
Since November 28, 2024, participants in protests in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. Security forces have conducted harsh dispersals of protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. During the protests, thousands of people have faced administrative prosecution. "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "Main points on the prosecution of protest participants in Georgia".