GYLA Calls for Release of Detained Protesters in Batumi Amid Concerns Over Prioritization of Russian Citizens' Safety
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
The Georgia's Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) expressed apprehensions regarding the recent protests in Batumi linked to the arrival of a Russian cruise ship. GYLA called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to release the 23 individuals detained during the demonstrations.
GYLA raised concerns about the law enforcement's apparent prioritization of Russian citizens' safety over others, leading to restrictions on protesters' constitutional rights. The organization emphasized the need to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all citizens, without discrimination based on nationality or other factors.
According to the statement, there is information concerning the ship owner and related companies and their sanctions.
The organization has raised concerns about the law enforcement's apparent prioritization of the safety of Russian citizens over other cases, leading to limitations on the constitutional rights of the protesters. GYLA emphasized the significance of safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all citizens, without any form of discrimination based on nationality or any other criteria.
"It should be noted that there is information about the ship owner and related companies regarding their sanctions.
The protest against the 2nd cruise Russian ship started late last night, July 30, and has continued throughout the night, still ongoing. The police mobilized on-site did not allow the participants of the rally to gather at the port. The law-enforcement structure points to security protection as the basis for limiting freedom of expression and assembly.
It is alarming that the law enforcement structure, compared to all other cases, is especially concerned about the safety of Russian citizens and, based on this, including using forceful methods, restricts the constitutional rights of demonstrators to peacefully protest against the Russian occupation and Russian influence in Georgia. It should be noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs organized a safe corridor for Russian citizens to prevent any obstacles for them to get to the city from the cruise. Currently, the police have again fenced off the area around the Batumi harbor with double fences.
The Georgia's Young Lawyers' Association continues to monitor the ongoing protest in Batumi and protect the interests of the illegally detained persons; however, until now, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has not provided information about the location of the detained persons. Lawyers are not given the opportunity to visit their clients in the pre-trial detention center," the statement reads.
