The priority for all sides now must be to show restraint, avoid provocations and avoid being provoked, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Terry Davis said while commenting on recent developments in Georgia.
"I am very concerned about the situation in Georgia which has deteriorated since I left Tbilisi on Sunday [November 4]... Freedom of assembly is guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights, and the authorities must make sure that any restrictions are justified and proportionate," the document said.
On 7 November the Georgian authorities dispersed by force the participants in the rally staged by the Unified Opposition. Police used batons, resin bullets and water cannons. Over 500 people appealed for medical aid.
Georgian President Mikhael Saakashvili has recently declared emergency situation in the country for 15 days and some restriction have been injected in the activities of the media. In accordance with the appropriate legislation, during the emergency situation the Georgian citizens are not allowed to hold manifestations and demonstrations and strike