Georgian ombudsman urges protesters to remain peaceful

The Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, has called on organizers and participants of protests to ensure their demonstrations remain peaceful. In a statement, the Ombudsman emphasized the constitutional and international protection of the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration as a fundamental human right.

The statement also addressed law enforcement agencies, urging them to act within the bounds of the law, refrain from using force against peaceful demonstrators, and avoid obstructing participants from exercising their constitutional rights.

“In cases where lawful intervention is necessary, protesters must be given a reasonable amount of time to comply with police requests. Any use of force or special means by law enforcement must pass strict tests of necessity and proportionality, and prior warnings must be issued before any such measures are taken,” the Ombudsman noted.

The statement highlighted the importance of safeguarding journalists covering protests, ensuring their safety and unobstructed work.

The Ombudsman also reiterated the responsibility of protest organizers and participants to avoid exceeding the limits of peaceful assembly. Representatives from the Public Defender’s office will monitor protests to ensure compliance with legal standards and take necessary action when required.