Demonstrators in Tbilisi demanded protection for citizens from police violence.
On the 684th day of continuous protests, participants of the rally near the Parliament of Georgia demanded the release of political prisoners and the protection of the rights of citizens who have been subjected to abuse by law enforcement.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on October 11, on the 683rd day of daily protests, activists gathered in the center of Tbilisi to express their disagreement with the pro-Russian course of the Georgian authorities and the actions of Russia. The day before, on October 10, a march took place in the center of Tbilisi with slogans against the ruling party's course and police abuses.
Activists with national flags and European Union flags gathered today near the buildings of the Parliament of Georgia and the Tbilisi City Council, demanding the release of political prisoners and the repeal of repressive laws. They are also advocating for the country's return to a Euro-Atlantic course and free elections, reports Publika.
The action took place in front of the Parliament for the 684th evening in a row. Participants held placards reading “Freedom for regime prisoners,” “Slavery will never be called peace,” “Victory is ours,” “Who protects citizens when the police violate their rights?” and “Russia kills,” according to a publication on the Facebook page of photographer Georgy Mosiashvili (Mo Se).
Lawyers for protest participant Sergey Kancheli today again appealed to the investigative body with a request to promptly conduct a series of interrogations and investigative actions. In particular, they demand the seizure of photo and video materials related to the case, including recordings from specific surveillance cameras, as well as a detailed examination of the crime scene and the nearby police station.
Activist Sergey Kancheli, who had previously participated in protest actions, stated that he was forced to leave the country after being kidnapped by law enforcement and receiving threats. According to the activist, on September 27, law enforcement 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 reported that law enforcement pointed a gun at his head and chest, cut his face with a knife, and attempted sexual violence. The Prosecutor's Office of Georgia reported on October 8 about the investigation into Kancheli's statement.
Representatives of the activist also demand to establish the names of the police department employees, obtain their official photographs, determine who was on duty on September 27, 2026, and conduct an identification procedure, reports Pirveli.
Lawyer Georgy Chkheidze noted in his social media post that he had contacted the Public Defender of Georgia on October 8 with a request to study Kancheli's case and meet with his representatives, but has not yet received a response.
Protest participants in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Law enforcement has 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 on "The main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia".