The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs reported 13 arrests at a march in Tbilisi.

13 people were detained at a protest march in Tbilisi for defying security forces' demands and insulting police officers.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," clashes with police occurred in Tbilisi on the 357th day of daily protests. Security forces detained several marchers after they stepped onto the roadway. The march was timed to coincide with the anniversary of the arrest of musician Mate Devidze, who was found guilty of assaulting a police officer and sentenced to 4.5 years in prison.

On November 19, Interior Ministry officers detained 13 protesters under the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia. This was stated in a statement by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

As noted in the statement, the detainees disobeyed the lawful order of police officers and insulted law enforcement officials while performing their official duties, Interpressnews reports.

"We call on citizens to refrain from committing illegal actions; otherwise, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia will act within its mandate, identify all violators, and take appropriate measures against them in accordance with the procedure established by law," the ministry stated.

As a reminder, the Georgian Parliament adopted a bill on toughening penalties for violations at protests, including blocking roads, in an expedited manner two days after the attempted storming of the presidential palace. Wearing a mask at a rally or blocking a road is punishable by 15 days of administrative arrest. If the violator is an organizer, the term is increased to 20 days. If police demand a halt to a rally, failure to comply will result in arrest for up to 60 days. A similar sentence applies for carrying firearms or pyrotechnics at a rally. Amendments to the Criminal Code introduce prison sentences of up to one year for repeated violations of the rules for participating in protests, and up to two years for subsequent violations.

On October 4, the day of municipal elections, thousands of people gathered in central Tbilisi. After opera singer Paata Burchaladze declared that power in Georgia belongs to the people, clashes broke out between protesters and security forces near the presidential palace. Security forces used riot gear, while protesters used firecrackers. Six demonstrators and 21 security forces were hospitalized, and another 30 people received medical treatment on the spot. Police have opened a criminal case in connection with calls to overthrow the government, attacks on police officers, and the storming of a palace. Caucasian Knot is publishing materials about the recent municipal elections and protests by opposition supporters on the topic page "Georgia: Elections Amid Protests". Participants in daily protests in Georgia since November 28, 2024, have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. Security forces have violently dispersed the protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and have detained protesters. Over the course of the protests, more than a thousand people have been subjected to administrative prosecution. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "The Main Thing About the Persecution of Protest Participants in Georgia".