**Georgia Sees Widespread Arrests, Torture, and Repression**
Eleven Georgian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have spoken out against the severe human rights abuses taking place in the country. They say that people are being arrested, tortured, and treated unfairly by the authorities.
According to Transparency International Georgia, over 460 people have been detained since November 28. Many of them face fines or short jail sentences. More than 300 people have been mistreated or tortured, with some needing hospital care.
NGOs report that police officers are using excessive force against peaceful protesters and journalists. Some protesters have suffered head injuries. The authorities are also refusing to allow detainees to talk about their treatment in detention centers.
**No One Held Accountable**
The NGOs say that no one is being held accountable for the abuse of power by the police. They report that masked individuals, possibly linked to the government, are beating people on the streets without facing any consequences.
Eka Gigauri from Transparency International Georgia stressed that judges are making decisions based solely on police statements, ignoring evidence provided by defendants. She also highlighted that detainees are being transferred to prisons outside Tbilisi due to overcrowding, making it difficult for lawyers to reach them.
Nino Lomjaria from the civic platform ‘Georgia’s European Orbit’ condemned the systematic torture and mistreatment of citizens and journalists. She said that all these violations have been documented and shared with international partners.
**Protests and Sanctions**
Large-scale protests broke out in Georgia after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced plans to halt EU integration. The government responded with violence, including tear gas and water cannon against protesters. Multiple reports of police using excessive force have also emerged.
In response, the Baltic States and Ukraine imposed sanctions on Georgian officials responsible for the violence.