**Police Violence in Georgia: Amnesty International Reports**
The police in Georgia are using excessive force, torture, and ill-treatment against protesters, according to a report by Amnesty International. The organization says the scale of violence is alarming and suggests that it’s happening with government approval.
Protests started on November 29 in Tbilisi, the capital city, where thousands gathered in front of parliament. As the protests spread across the country, police responded with water cannons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. Many people were injured, and some were even beaten by police outside protest areas.
Over 460 people have been detained, including many who are facing administrative or criminal charges. Amnesty International reports that more than 300 protesters have been subjected to torture and other ill-treatment, with some cases amounting to actual torture.
The report states: “The scale of illegal use of force, torture, and other ill-treatment by the police indicates that they are acting under government-approved directives and are emboldened by impunity.”
Amnesty International is calling on the Georgian government to protect the rights of all individuals in the country. They also urge the international community to show solidarity with those peacefully exercising their rights in Georgia.
**Key Demands from Amnesty International**
The organization has made several key demands:
1. **End the violence**: Stop police and unknown groups from using excessive force against protesters.
2. **Protect human rights**: Ensure respect for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
3. **Investigate unlawful use of force**: Conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of police misconduct.
4. **Investigate torture**: Investigate claims of torture and other ill-treatment by the police.
5. **Ensure accountability**: Hold those responsible for violations accountable in a fair trial.
Amnesty International emphasizes that these demands are based on testimonies from injured protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders, as well as video and photo evidence from the protests.