Georgian PM says politicians “behind violence” at protest rallies will “not be able to escape responsibility”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday said politicians who had “organised violence” at ongoing protest rallies in the capital city of Tbilisi against the Government’s suspension of European Union accession talks would “not be able to escape responsibility for events that have taken place  over the recent days”.

In his remarks at a press conference, Kobakhidze claimed a number of activities at protest rallies had been “allegedly funded by domestic wealthy non-governmental organisations”.

We have information that a number of activities were allegedly funded, including for purchase of special equipment, by wealthy NGOs. Even leaders of wealthy NGOs hiding in their offices cannot escape legal responsibility if there is relevant evidence. Opposition leaders and leaders of their NGOs were hiding in their offices during these days, but responsibility is responsibility and, of course, this responsibility must be met in accordance with the Constitution and the law”, the PM said.

He also commented on domestic “violent groups”, alleging they were “facing several years of criminal punishment” for the violence at protest rallies outside the Parliament, and further added “this is also the responsibility of the relevant politicians”.