Tensions Rise Near Tbilisi Restaurant Where Judges Were Holding Event
On January 12, a group of protesters gathered near the “Babilo” restaurant in Tbilisi. The protesters were angry because some judges were holding a corporate event inside the restaurant.
The judges arrived at the restaurant around 3 p.m., but they were met with opposition from the protesters. The police were called to the scene and brought a water cannon to calm down the situation.
As some of the judges started leaving the restaurant under police escort, several protesters were arrested. However, the Interior Ministry has not yet said how many people have been detained or on what charges.
The corporate event followed two recent decisions by judges to keep 19 people in custody who were arrested during pro-European protests. This decision caused an outcry and backlash against the judiciary.
Several judges from the so-called “judicial clan”, including Levan Murusidze, attended the event. Protesters held a banner that read: “A corrupt judiciary undermines democracy and violates human rights.”
The protesters chanted slogans like “Judges everywhere, justice nowhere” and shouted at the judges, saying they were “slaves.” Some judges had to enter the restaurant through the back door.
One of the mothers of people arrested during protests said: “Yesterday they did the show [in court] and today they are partying. How can they look their children in the eye? Shame on every judge.”
Several people, including some judges, were injured or threw eggs at each other. The police eventually took control of the situation.
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