On October 5, the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the October 4 gathering “aimed at overthrowing the government” and “soon acquired an unlawful character,” after which the ministry took “proportionate measures.” According to the agency, “based on yesterday’s events,” any gathering from October 5 will be considered a “continuation of an attempted overthrow” and the ministry will take appropriate measures “to protect public order and security.” In effect, this means that peaceful protesters may face legal prosecution simply for participating in the gathering. The statement came after the arrest of five organizers of the October 4 rally and a few hours before the announcement of a new rally by citizens and the Federalist Party.

Such rhetoric threatens both freedom of assembly and expression and freedom of the media. The wording used by the Ministry creates a vague legal framework, under which journalists’ coverage of protests or voicing critical positions may be perceived as support for an “attempted coup.” Such a statement creates a chilling effect and violates the activities of the media and the right of the public to freely receive and disseminate information, which contradicts fundamental rights guaranteed by both the Constitution of Georgia and international conventions.