Protests in Georgia Reach a New Level of Severity
The Georgian Young Lawyers‘ Association (GYLA) has spoken out about the one-month period of protests in the country. According to GYLA, since November 28, the methods used by the government to suppress peaceful and legitimate protests have become increasingly severe.
GYLA’s head, Nona Qurdovanidze, said that the state is using torture, inhuman, and degrading treatment against protesters, as well as other violent and repressive methods. The use of special means like water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray has also been reported, posing a threat to life and health.
The GYLA reports that around 500 people were illegally detained administratively during this period, while nearly 40 people were detained under criminal law. The organization has published a report highlighting the severity of police violence against protesters and media representatives.
The protests began on November 28 in response to the suspension of negotiations for Georgia‘s EU membership by the ruling “Georgian Dream” party. They are also a continuation of previous protests against elections held with substantial violations and a worsening of democratic conditions and human rights in the country.
Despite being peaceful, demonstrations have been arbitrarily and violently dispersed by police. The state has consistently used police violence, intimidation, and other practices that violate national and international human rights law since April 2024. However, since November 28, the methods aimed at suppressing protests have reached a new level of severity.
The GYLA report highlights several incidents, including torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, attacks on demonstrators and media representatives by informal criminal groups, targeted persecution of media representatives, illegal administrative detentions, and threats against public officials.
The government has been accused of using the law to silence individuals with differing opinions. Changes have been made to laws such as the Georgian Law on Public Service, the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations, and the Code of Administrative Offenses to further restrict freedom of expression.
GYLA also noted that the investigation into violence during the current protests, as well as previous protests in April-May 2024 and March 2023, remains ineffective.
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