We are being detained at the rally mainly under Articles 166 (petty hooliganism) and 173 (disobedience to a lawful request of a police officer) of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
The maximum duration of detention is 48 hours . The time begins to run from the moment of detention.
An administrative fine does not prevent you from getting a job or traveling to a foreign country.
The trial must be held within 2 months of your arrest, where if you are found guilty, you will be fined approximately 2,500-3,000 GEL . As far as is known, a conviction is almost guaranteed.
When you are arrested, attempts to intimidate and break you begin, but there is nothing dangerous!
Don't talk without a lawyer! It could be used against you.
During arrest, you are generally not informed of your rights.
After the beating , the violent police officers get out of the car and the supposedly decent and caring police officers get out. The road to the station begins.
They may try to unblock you on your phone! They have no right to do that! It's better to have unblocking with fingerprint or facial recognition disabled.
You have the right to request a call to a relative or lawyer . The organization will not force you to do so. You can choose the time yourself. This can happen from the beginning or when you know which detention center you will be transferred to.
The detainee himself calls the person you have chosen, after your request, and provides information - where you are, where you are being taken, etc. You can tell the detainee what to give to your loved one.
If you don't have a lawyer, you can have a relative call the legal aid hotline number -
+995 577 07 05 63 and they will protect your rights for free.
You may have to stop for several hours in the desert.
If you smoke and are caught by a police officer, you may be forced to smoke while in the police station. As a rule, you are only allowed to smoke in the pre-trial detention center.
At the department, your bag and personal belongings will be searched and recorded in detail. Remember – be fully present during the process and be careful not to be taken away or, conversely, not to add anything to your belongings.
Carrying pepper spray and tasers at a rally is an aggravating factor. You will likely be fined an additional 200 GEL.
They will fill out various documents and ask you to sign them. Lawyers recommend that you do not sign anything! You have the right to do so.
The isolation ward may be in Tbilisi, or you may be taken to a region.
When you are taken to the isolation ward, they again inspect your belongings, count them, and seal them in a polyethylene bag. Here, too, pay attention to everything and be careful not to be robbed or, conversely, not to add anything to your belongings.
They only leave you your clothes, but they don't leave you your straps and belt.
You are going in for a medical examination. If they don't take you in, you can request one yourself. Show them and don't hide any injuries you received during your arrest. Tell them if you have any chronic illnesses and if you need any medication.
Then you will be placed in an isolation cell.
The toilet is isolated, the bed is without a sheet, the pillow is integrated into the mattress. The table and chairs are attached. *
You drink water in the toilet. You can ask the attendant to bring you a glass, toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, matches, books. *
You have the right to request a doctor if you need one.
The isolator has one window leading to the corridor and one window leading to the outside. *
There are camera(s) in the cell and you are often watched and checked through the slit in the door.
They don't have the right to hear your voice, but still pay attention to your conversation.
Meals are three times a day. Vegetarian or vegan meals are not provided. *
It would be nice if they sent you some solid food (pastries), fruit, sweets (chocolate), a few boxes of matches, cigarettes, and a change of clothes.
In the detention center, you will be interviewed by the Prosecutor General's Office (if you have injuries or are reporting police abuse) and the Public Defender's Office to record violations.
Also, if they hear about your arrest, they will come and offer you legal assistance from an organization that provides free legal assistance to those arrested during protests.
Before leaving the isolation ward, you will undergo medical observation again and your belongings will be returned to you in a sealed state.
Be sure to check the integrity of the package and seal!
Sign the delivery document only after handing over and checking your personal belongings!
Thank you for fighting for your homeland! Together we will win! You are not alone!
