The Georgian Interior Ministry on Tuesday said it had launched administrative proceedings after a group of far-right activists of Alt-Info took down and burned the European Union flag from a pole in front of the Parliament building in Tbilisi earlier during the day.

"The Ministry of Internal Affairs, on the basis of Article 17418 under the Code of Administrative Offenses, launched administrative proceedings, which implies Desecration of official symbols of the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or other international organizations or desecration of the flag or coat of arms of other states. The law enforcement officers will identify and fine the violators. The Ministry of Internal Affairs calls on rally participants gathered near the Parliament, not to go beyond the limits defined by the law on freedom of assembly and expression, observe the norms of public order and follow the lawful requests of police. Each act of violation will be immediately foiled by police and strict legal response will be followed," The Georgian Interior Ministry said in a statement.