UN Calls for Peaceful Protests in Georgia
The United Nations is calling on the government of Georgia to protect its citizens’ right to peaceful protests and freedom of expression. This comes as four nights of protests in Tbilisi have turned violent.
According to a UN statement, security forces have used excessive force against protesters and journalists. They used pepper spray, water cannons, and chemical irritants. Some people were also chased and beaten by unknown individuals.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, is calling on the government to respect its citizens’ rights. He says that all Georgians should be able to express their views without fear of violence or arrest.
Protesters have been throwing stones and other objects at security forces, damaging a government building in the process. At least 113 police officers were injured during the clashes.
The UN is also concerned about reports that children are among those detained. They say that all arrested protesters should be released immediately and unconditionally.
Volker Türk is calling on all parts of society to maintain peace and resolve disagreements through dialogue. He says that established legal procedures based on the rule of law should be used to resolve disputes.
The UN hopes that Georgia can find a peaceful solution to its current problems.