**GYLA Calls for Respect of Protesters‘ Rights**
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) is asking the Ministry of Internal Affairs to allow protesters to gather peacefully. They are also urging the ministry to stop police from arresting demonstrators unfairly.
For two days, a group of citizens has been protesting in the vicinity of Tbilisi State University and Varazi ravine. The protesters had set up tents on the spot. However, early this morning, large numbers of police arrived and forced the protesters to move to Melikishvili Avenue.
GYLA says that holding a peaceful protest can cause some disruption to normal life. But they argue that this is not a reason for the government to stop the protesters from expressing themselves. In fact, GYLA says that public authorities should show more tolerance when dealing with peaceful gatherings.
**What’s Happening Now**
As of now, the protesters are on Melikishvili Avenue, while police are mainly located on Chavchavadze Avenue.
GYLA is calling on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to:
* Ensure citizens’ right to assembly and expression
* Stop dispersing peaceful demonstrators with police forces
* Prevent illegal arrests of protestors and give them the opportunity to express their protest.