**Georgian Civil Sector Condemns Illegal Arrests and Violence**
A joint statement issued on December 4 by Transparency International-Georgia and over 20 local CSOs has strongly condemned the recent illegal arrests of activists and politicians in Georgia. The statement calls for the immediate release of all those detained since November 28, new elections, reforms to the Central Election Commission (CEC), and a full investigation into those responsible for the disproportionate use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
**Warning of Intimidation and Repression**
The joint statement warns that the regime’s actions are a new way of intimidating Georgian citizens who oppose the violent regime. It also calls on international partners to take action, urging them to use mechanisms at their disposal, including the imposition of sanctions on individuals responsible for the violence.
**Crackdown in Georgia**
The crackdown began on November 28, when Prime Minister Kobakhidze’s announcement triggered mass protests. Riot police responded with excessive force, including physical assaults, verbal abuse, and mass arrests. On December 4, police raided the offices and homes of several activists and politicians, many of whom were either arrested or physically assaulted.
**International Scrutiny**
The situation in Georgia remains volatile as international scrutiny intensifies. The Baltic states have already imposed sanctions on individuals involved in the violence, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that Ukraine will also impose sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and his associates.
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