Dozens detained at Rustaveli protest in Tbilisi against parliamentary commission report

Georgia’s Interior Ministry on Tuesday said around 20 people have been detained on Rustaveli Avenue during protests against a parliamentary investigative commission’s report, whose legitimacy has been questioned by opposition groups.

The opposition party Droa claimed 22 people were taken into custody, while activists at the scene said the number had already reached 24. Video footage from the protest showed police urging demonstrators to “calm down” as officers detained people on the pavements.

Among those held was Ana Chrdileli, daughter of Otar Chrdileli, a former MP for the ruling Georgian Dream party in the 2012 and 2016 parliaments.

Droa released a list of detainees, including Shushana Matsaberidze, Tamar Peradze, Beka Papashvili, Tatia Apriashvili, Albi Kordzaia, Tika Pataraia, Data Kashiashvili, Davit Sekhniashvili, Luka Chokhonelidze, Nene Gabelaia and more.

The arrests came as parliament began debating the 460-page findings of the investigative commission over the actions of the previous United National Movement Government, as well as the events of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war, presented by Vice Speaker and the commission chair Thea Tsulukiani. Protesters have branded the report “treacherous” and “aligned with Russian interests”.