Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, provided a detailed update on the protests that have gripped the nation over the past six days. Speaking late on December 3, 2024, he highlighted the escalating legal response to the demonstrations.
Breakdown of Detentions and Charges
Darakhvelidze revealed a stark picture of the authorities’ actions, with nearly 300 people detained and several cases reaching the courts.
- Administrative Detentions
- A total of 293 individuals were detained for administrative violations.
- Among these, 108 cases were brought before Tbilisi City Court.
- Resolutions for 89 cases included:
- 43 fines imposed.
- 41 administrative detention orders issued.
- 5 warnings handed out.
- Criminal Charges
- Five individuals face criminal charges under Articles 187 (damage to property) and 353 (attacks on public officials) of the Georgian Criminal Code.
- These charges underscore the gravity of the alleged actions during the protests, signaling a shift in the authorities’ approach.
Protests Push Tensions to Boiling Point
The demonstrations, which began six days ago, have seen growing unrest, drawing hundreds to the streets. While the initial triggers remain unclear in the statement, the scale of detentions highlights the authorities’ firm stance.
Public concern over the heavy-handed approach is mounting, with critics questioning the proportionality of the response. On the other hand, officials argue that maintaining order is paramount, especially amid reports of property damage and altercations with law enforcement.
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
The criminal charges represent a pivotal development in the authorities’ response. Under Georgian law:
- Article 187 can result in imprisonment depending on the extent of the damage caused.
- Article 353, addressing violent resistance to public officials, also carries severe penalties, including multi-year jail terms.
While administrative penalties like fines and short-term detentions often conclude quickly, criminal cases may extend for months, with trials bringing further scrutiny.
Calls for Transparency and Dialogue
As detentions climb and the legal machinery grinds on, public voices are calling for greater transparency. Observers are urging the government to engage with protesters to address underlying grievances and avoid escalating tensions further.
While the Deputy Minister’s statement provides clarity on numbers, it leaves unanswered questions about the broader context of the protests and the government’s long-term strategy to restore calm.
