On May 12, 2018 a large-scale police operation was carried out in Tbilisi, which considering its form, extent of used police force and consequences, was particularly intensive. Starting from 01 a.m., police force simultaneously raided two nightclubs in Tbilisi – Bassiani and Café Gallery and started to conduct investigative measures. Soon after the raid on the clubs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) made a public statement, that search conducted in the clubs was based on a court order. Police operation started when the guests had already gathered to attend events planned in the clubs.

Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC) and Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) present the legal assessment of legality and proportionality of investigative measures carried out, the use of force by the police and detentions on May 12. On the one hand, it is important, that the presented report becomes the basis for objective and fair assessment of rights violations on May 12 and in relation to those events, and for appropriate response to those. On the other hand, it is necessary that the Ministry of Internal Affairs shares substantiated criticism regarding the May 12 police operation and plans police reform process.

Please see the executive summary of the legal assessment here⇓

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