GYLA Reacts to the Arrest of Rally Participants by Law Enforcement Authorities

According to today’s reports, on May 1, over 15 participants of the manifestation organized by students to mark the International Workers’ Day were arrested by the police. We would like to highlight that the right to assembly and manifestation is guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia and the European Convention of Human Rights. Everyone has the right to a peaceful assembly indoors as well as outdoors, without a prior permission. The state should not only protect the right to assembly but should refrain from placing unreasonable and indirect prohibitions on rally participants.

According to current reports police has allegedly used disproportionate force. Notably, material released shows alleged interference with journalistic reporting, which may serve as grounds for holding law enforcement officers involved liable. GYLA calls for a probe and appropriate further actions.