**Report Highlights Ineffective Investigation into Alleged Torture and Ill-Treatment in Georgia**
Three Georgian civil society organizations, the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), and Rights Georgia, have submitted a report to the OSCE Vienna Mechanism. The report criticizes the ineffective investigation into alleged torture and ill-treatment of protesters in Georgia since November 2024.
**A Pattern of Abuse**
The report highlights multiple violent and repressive practices employed by Georgian Dream authorities to suppress peaceful protests and political dissent. These practices include systemic torture, abuse of legislative power, and politically motivated prosecutions. The authors cite the violent dispersal of a peaceful protest on February 2, noting that ill-treatment of participants persists.
**Lack of Accountability**
The report emphasizes the lack of action against publicly identified perpetrators and high-ranking officials. Despite clear video evidence, no action has been taken against high-ranking officials implicated in abuse, including the head of the Special Tasks Department, Zviad Kharazishvili [a.k.a. Khareba]. The case of Mzia Amaghlobeli, director of Batumelebi/Netgazeti, who was detained under “politically motivated” charges and later confirmed to have injuries, raises further concerns.
**Ineffective Investigations**
The report highlights institutional challenges within Georgia’s Special Investigation Service (SIS), tasked with probing crimes by law enforcement. It cites that the investigation into protest-related abuses is superficial and notes that victim status has been granted to only 85 individuals out of 242 documented cases of alleged torture and ill-treatment.
**Calls for Action**
The report urges OSCE participating states to take immediate action by activating the Human Dimension Reporting Mechanism, also known as the Moscow Mechanism. This follows GYLA’s previous alternative report submitted on January 21, 2025, following 38 OSCE participating states’ decision to invoke the Vienna Mechanism in response to human rights concerns in Georgia.
**Commentary**
The report highlights a pattern of abuse and lack of accountability under the GD government. The ineffective investigation into alleged torture and ill-treatment raises serious concerns about the rule of law and democratic values in Georgia. The report’s call for action by OSCE participating states is timely, given the ongoing human rights violations.
**Deeper Analysis**
The report emphasizes the need for effective investigations and accountability under the GD government. The lack of action against publicly identified perpetrators and high-ranking officials suggests a culture of impunity. The adoption of laws that erode democratic foundations, such as the Foreign Agents Registration Act on April 1, raises concerns about shrinking civic and media space.
**Recommendations**
The report’s call for activating the Human Dimension Reporting Mechanism, also known as the Moscow Mechanism, is a timely reminder of the need for OSCE participating states to take action against human rights violations. The report highlights the importance of effective investigations and accountability under the GD government. The ongoing efforts to shrink civic and media space require urgent attention from international partners.
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