Georgian President criticizes Interior Ministry’s warning to protesters, points to violations of constitutional rights

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has responded critically to a statement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding planned opposition protests, calling it a violation of citizens’ constitutional right to assemble and demonstrate. The President condemned the Ministry’s warning, which stated that any actions outside the legal limits for protests would result in law enforcement intervention. Zourabichvili accused the government of undermining the right to peaceful protest, likening the threat to “Russian-style governance.”

In her statement, Zourabichvili said: “They might as well say, ‘We will arrest everyone.’ This is yet another violation of the Constitution, specifically the right to assemble and protest. It doesn’t matter whether the law limits this right or if a decree is issued—threats are unacceptable.”

The opposition plans to hold a series of protests starting on the evening of November 24 at Republic Square, with the demonstration set to move toward Parliament. They intend to remain there overnight. On November 25, another protest, “Reclaim Your Voice,” will take place outside Parliament’s rear entrance.

The Interior Ministry had warned organizers and participants of the protests to stay within the legal boundaries for gatherings and to avoid illegal activities. The Ministry stated that law enforcement would take necessary actions to stop any unlawful behavior. The government’s stance comes ahead of the first parliamentary session scheduled for November 25, which the opposition parties refuse to recognize as legitimate following recent elections.