On a televised interview prior to his hearing before the Georgian Parliament, the Georgian Minister of Internal Affairs, Giorgi Gakharia, shared his views on the developments on the Rustaveli Avenue on 20 June, reported agenda.ge.

Gakharia stated that he takes political responsibility for the developments on 20 June as the minister but will remain in his position until an investigation clarifies who was responsible for the outburst of violence during the protests. “I think the police used their legitimate right to use force that night. There are some question marks in terms of proportionality in certain cases which also need to be investigated in detail. Today’s goal of the country is to avoid even the attempt to change the power through violent attacks, storms and the occupation of the parliamentary hall. This should end in this country because otherwise we will always be stuck in this bewitched circle", he said.

He also explained that the rubber bullets that were used during the clash were in line with international standards and none of them were illegal to use at such demonstrations. “A protocol exists, which is in line with the international standards and if anyone has violated it, and it was clearly captured by the cameras and if we have the evidence to prove that, those people will be punished of course. Bullets that were not in line with the international standards were not used and could not be used. However, there still remain question marks whether the usage of the bullets was adequate according to the protocol or not, these particular cases need to be reviewed,” he said. He also added that the individual cases of shooting at peaceful protesters from a very close distance will be thoroughly investigated and violations against the law will be punished. The minister also restated that the rally was “absolutely peaceful” from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m until direct calls were voiced to attack the state institutions” referring to the opposition leaders and picturing them as the main suspects for starting the violence.

Meanwhile, the protesters are gathering for the eighth day in a row. Staying firm on their demand for Gakharia to submit his resignation, the protesters gathered in front of the residence of the Georgian Dream leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, with transparents stating “Gakharia go home.”