Kobakhidze: Special operation underway across Georgia following October 4 rally
A large-scale special operation aimed at detaining participants in the October 4 unrest at the presidential residence has begun in Georgia. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced this.
According to him, security forces have already identified many of the protesters who took part in the storming of the presidential palace.
"A corresponding special operation is being conducted today. Several criminals will be arrested today. This process will certainly continue. Numerous individuals who committed abuses at the presidential residence have already been identified. Some are hiding in apartments, others have fled to the regions," the head of government noted.
Kobakhidze emphasized that the authorities will not tolerate attempts at destabilization and will take measures to ensure "no one dares to stage a sixth revolution." He also added that all the organizers of the protest have already been detained.
"Now I am talking about those who directly stormed the presidential residence. "These are representatives of this new generation of extremist group who had a specific mission. They were supposed to storm the state. However, you saw that this assault was unsuccessful," Kobakhidze said.
According to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, the investigation has identified 15 individuals who participated in the events of October 4. Of these, 13 have already been detained by court order, and two remain wanted.
"Police are conducting appropriate investigative and operational measures to establish their whereabouts and arrest them," said Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Alexander Darakhvelidze.
The investigation is being conducted under Articles 317, 222, 225, and 187 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertain to attacks on state structures and organizing mass riots.
As a reminder, the municipal elections took place amid mass protests. The situation became particularly tense in the evening, when protesters attempted to storm the presidential palace. Local media reported that the protesters were dispersed using water cannons and tear gas.
