At the rally in Tbilisi, they demanded an investigation into the torture of activist Sergey Kancheli.
On the 714th day of continuous protests, participants gathered near the buildings of the Parliament of Georgia and the Tbilisi City Council. Activists announced an action at the capital's prosecutor's office in connection with Sergey Kancheli's statements about threats and torture, after which he was forced to leave the country.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on November 10, on the 713th day of continuous protests, participants in Tbilisi honored the memory of elderly activist Mzisa Gabeshia, who had been conducting pro-European pickets alone in Martvili since 2024.
Today, protesters gathered in front of the Parliament building and the Tbilisi City Council. As in previous days, they demanded the country return to a Euro-Atlantic course, the release of political prisoners, the abolition of repressive mechanisms, and the holding of elections in a free and fair environment, reports Publika.
Protesters brought national flags, as well as flags of the European Union, Ukraine, and the USA. Some activists held placards: "Silent police of Ivanishvili", "To the end, to victory", "Mzisa, thank you for the fight, we will win", and "We will win this war", according to photographs by Georgy Mosiashvili (Mo Se).
Activists at the rally stated that the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia has not yet opened a case regarding the torture of Sergey Kancheli, and no one has been questioned by the investigation.
Activist Sergey Kancheli, who previously participated in protests, stated that he was forced to leave the country after being kidnapped by security forces and threats. 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 reported that security forces held a gun to 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 based on Kancheli's statement.
"We demand that the prosecutor's office immediately open a case because Kancheli was tortured by several police officers, which forced him to leave the country. We expect you on Saturday (November 14) at 1:00 PM," activists stated at the rally.
Protest participants in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections since November 28, 2024, and the release of political prisoners. Security forces conducted harsh dispersals of protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. During the protests, thousands of people faced administrative prosecution. "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "Main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia".