Concerns Raised Over Human Rights in Georgia
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, has published a memorandum expressing concerns over the human rights situation in Georgia. The report highlights issues with freedom of assembly and expression, protection of civil society, and the rights of LGBTI individuals.
Freedom of Assembly and Expression Concerns
Mr. O’Flaherty visited Georgia from January 21-23, 2025, after protests in November and December 2024 drew attention to police use of force against peaceful demonstrations. He noted that despite reports of ill-treatment of protesters and journalists, no law enforcement officers have been held accountable for these abuses.
The Commissioner recommends that the Georgian authorities ensure effective investigations into cases of ill-treatment of protesters and require all law enforcement personnel to wear identifiable badges to enhance accountability.
Restrictions on Protests
Mr. O’Flaherty is also concerned about recent amendments to laws regulating freedom of assembly, which impose undue restrictions on protesters, expand law enforcement powers, and introduce harsher penalties for protest-related administrative offenses.
He recommends amending the laws to bring them in line with international human rights standards.
Interference with Journalists’ Work
The Commissioner expresses concern over reported interference with journalists’ work, including harassment, violence, and intimidation during protests. He specifically mentions the case of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who is being held in prison on pre-trial detention.
Mr. O’Flaherty recommends ensuring that journalists can work freely and safely, including in the context of public assemblies.
Shrinking Space for Civil Society
The Commissioner also expresses concern over the shrinking space for civil society, including inflammatory rhetoric against NGOs and human rights defenders and lack of involvement of civil society organizations in decision-making processes.
He sets out recommendations to create an enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders, including rescinding a law on transparency of foreign influence and ensuring that any legislation on associations is compliant with international human rights law.
Violence Against LGBTI Individuals
Lastly, the Commissioner expresses concern over the level of violence and discrimination faced by LGBTI people. He recommends that the authorities cease all stigmatisation of LGBTI individuals, ensure effective investigations into cases of harassment and violence, repeal a law on protection of family values and minors, which provides a legal footing for discrimination against LGBTI individuals, and implement judgments of the European Court of Human Rights concerning the rights of LGBTI people.
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