Tbilisi marchers called for release of detainees

At their march through the streets of Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, residents of the republic have called for the release of all those detained during protests, including the journalist Mziya Amaglobeli.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that daily protests in Georgia have been going on for more than two months. Activists are demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners – the oppositionists arrested in connection with their participation in demonstrations.

Supporters of Georgia's European integration gathered in the historical part of Tbilisi – in Europe Square and began their march to the central Rustaveli Avenue. The march was held under the slogan: "No to Russia’s dictatorship!"

The marchers have also declared their support for Mziya Amaglobeli, the founder of the "Batumelebi" and "Netgazeti" outlets, and all those detained during protests. Anyone could bring their letters to the rally addressed to the detainees; and the advocates involved assured that they would try to pass the letters on to their clients.

On January 17, it became known that the activist, Temur Katamadze, arrested after a protest action in Batumi, was detained again and went on a hunger strike. The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has explained Katamadze's detention by stating that he was present in the country illegally.

Katamadze, who is on a hunger strike in solidarity with Amaglobeli, was transferred to a clinic for treatment due to his deteriorating health condition, the “Formula” TV Channel has informed.

Mariam Gabroshvili, an advocate for Temur Katamadze, said that he refuses to end his hunger strike because he believes that he has no moral right to do so while Mziya Amaglobeli is on her hunger strike.

According to the advocate, Katamadze was detained in order to be expelled from the country. "He has lived in Georgia for more than ten years and has repeatedly tried to obtain a residence permit and citizenship by legal means. He was refused without explanation," Mariam Gabroshvili has explained.