We received information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs that holding a rally on October 1st—marking five years since Mikheil Saakashvili’s imprisonment—to demand his freedom is apparently not permitted — Irakli Pavlenishvili

According to Irakli Pavlenishvili, Chairman of the National Movement’s Governing Council, the Ministry of Internal Affairs denied permission for the rally scheduled for October 1st at Rike Park; nevertheless, they intend to gather at the "Rike Pipes" at 5:00 PM on that day. Yesterday, we received information from the Ministry of Internal Affairs stating that a rally demanding Mikheil Saakashvili’s freedom cannot be held on October 1st—the fifth anniversary of his imprisonment. Apparently, Georgian citizens are prohibited from holding a rally in Rike Park without the permission of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and City Hall. This directive is, of course, absolutely unlawful. It is unacceptable for people’s freedom of movement in public spaces—including parks and squares—to be restricted simply because Ivanishvili remains most afraid of Mikheil Saakashvili, and because the Ivanishvili regime remains most afraid of the National Movement. They are well aware that the country’s nine-year era of development will inevitably resume, bringing an end to the fourteen years of destruction. They fully understand the role that Mikheil Saakashvili—together with the National Movement and the Georgian people—will play in dismantling this regime. "I once again call upon everyone—no matter what technical obstacles are placed in our way, we will certainly go to the Rike 'Jugs,' which have become a symbol of the devastation and plundering of Georgia. We will definitely go to the Rike 'Jugs,' and we will certainly gather there on October 1st at 5:00 PM," said Irakli Pavlenishvili at a briefing held today.