GYLA's statement regarding the ongoing picketing of the Parliament

Parliamentary voting and non-passing of the constitutional amendments by the Georgian Dream showed that the promise of a shift towards the proportional electoral system by the ruling political force was a cynical move aiming towards calming down the wave of protest at the end of June. This was followed by fair public outrage and protest. In parallel with the rejection of the proportional electoral system, the ruling party is not supporting to hold elections by the so-called "German model". In doing so, they help to exacerbate the situation. Consequently, the full responsibility for the events on Rustaveli Avenue is upon them.

In the absence of responsive steps taken by the government when they ignore the demonstrators, the protesters resort to a radical form of protest, blocking the parliament building.  The legislation prohibits such action and considers it as an administrative offense. However, since this behavior of the protesters is non-violent and is expressed in the form of passive resistance, GYLA believes that the government should take into account the current context and should not restrict this form of protest by the participants of a rally. The ruling political force should realize its role, take responsibility for the current events, show the will of consensus, and only in such a way and not by force regulate the current tense situation.