2019-06-21
What has been happening in Tbilisi today, of course, calls for a political and legal assessment, and this process consists of two parts.
The situation triggered by the grievous mistake of some of the members of our team, and bringing about our fellow citizens' honest protest, was in fact eliminated by our team in the first part of the day. The forum was suspended, the Russian delegation left Tbilisi, and the leaders of our team made strong statements promising the public to study every detail, and hold the team's members accountable.
At the same time, the honest popular protest after 7 PM was used by destructive political forces who overstepped the constitutional boundaries.
The revanchist opposition attempted to instigate mob violence and to storm the Parliament building, and our entire society watched them use violence against police forces on live TV.
The resulting situation, which far transcended the limits of the absolutely justified protest caused by the events earlier during the day, took the form of mob violence instigated by destructive political leaders hungry for revenge. Unfortunately, because of the confrontation encouraged by the irresponsible opposition, our fellow citizens and police officers have been injured.
The assault on the Parliament and police was led by destructive political forces once again taking advantage of our fellow citizens' honest emotions.
The police never stepped out of the perimeter of the Parliament building, acting within the legal boundaries, protecting the state and our society, and warding off crime.
What matters now is the health of the injured, and that is our paramount concern.
Of course, the relevant processes will resume tomorrow. We will keep our word. We will not dodge responsibility, and we will hold accountable those members of our team whose mistakes have led to this crisis. They will have to answer to the team and the public. At the same time, we will, by all means, ensure a legal assessment in relation to the irresponsible, destructive opposition leaders who have defied the law and the constitution.
Our goal is to deescalate the situation. The international community and diplomatic corps are fully informed about the processes today.
We promise the public that said persons will share the responsibility for the riot and attempted destabilization instigated by them.
Once again, we urge the public to maintain peace. The authorities will protect the safety of every citizen, and will ensure public order.