Police Use Violence Against Protesters in Georgia’s Capital
The government of Georgia is being accused of using excessive force against peaceful protesters. According to a report by Human Rights Watch, police and other security forces have used violence against protesters in Tbilisi, the capital city.
Protesters were beaten and detained by police who wore riot gear or full-face black masks. Many protesters suffered injuries, including head traumas, broken bones, and scratches. The authorities charged hundreds of protesters with a misdemeanor offense, but failed to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment.
Human Rights Watch spoke with survivors of the violence, who said that police had chased them down and beaten them in groups or individually. Over 460 people have been arrested since November 28, and at least 80 required hospitalization after being tortured or ill-treated by police.
The report says that Georgia’s public defender and local observer groups agree that the police use of force was excessive and disproportionate. Human Rights Watch is calling for an immediate halt to police violence and for the government to respect protesters’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
The organization also wants the Georgian authorities to investigate all allegations of beatings, torture, and ill-treatment, and to hold those responsible accountable. If the government does not respond, international partners may need to take further action.
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