Yesterday, on April 16, the police arrested 13 peaceful protesters who enjoyed the right of freedom of assembly and expression and defended Georgia's European future. We, Georgian non-governmental organizations, were looking for detainees in the detention centers the whole night, meeting them, talking to them, describing the facts of the violations of their rights.

We would like to inform the public that most of the detainees have signs of physical injuries, and three of them are currently hospitalized. They stated that regardless of arrest or injury, they will continue to fight against Russian law, for the European future of Georgia.

We call upon the police to stop illegal interference with freedom of expression and assembly, illegal arrests, and physical violence against citizens. We call upon the Special Investigation Service to investigate the alleged crimes committed by the policemen in the shortest possible time.

We declare once again that we are protecting and will protect the rights of all detainees. We serve the Georgian people. No person who legitimately enjoys the right of freedom of expression will be left without legal support.

No to Russian Law!

Organizations that sign the statement:

Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association

Transparency International Georgia

Social Justice Center

Georgian Democracy Initiative

Rights Georgia

International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy

The Human Rights Center

Partnership for Human Rights

Civil Society Foundation