At about 00:12 on 26 May 2011 forces of the Ministry of Interior started dispersal of manifestation taking place on the Rustaveli Avenue. Even if the decision of dispersal of the demonstration had been legitimate, video footages disseminated through various media sources clearly show use of excessive force by police. This is in breach of the Georgian Law on Police. These facts of violence could not be left without legal assessment and adequate investigation.

Relying on the information disseminated by media sources, dispersal of manifestation was followed by disproportionate use of force, beating of detained demonstrators, who did not show resistance towards police. On the basis of the information broadcasted, journalists were not allowed to perform their professional duties; some of them are injured and detained.

On the basis of the above-mentioned, according to GYLA and TI-Georgia there are signs of excessive use of force and crimes committed by police.
Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association would like to express its readiness to provide legal assistance to any detainee and are open to such requests made by their family members and/or relatives.