**UN Experts Condemn Human Rights Violations in Georgia**
Experts from the United Nations have spoken out against a pattern of repression and human rights violations in Georgia. They say that state security forces are using violence against peaceful protesters, making mass arrests, and launching smear campaigns to intimidate them.
The protests started after the Prime Minister announced that Georgia would not join the European Union. Since then, there have been daily reports of police attacking protesters with water cannons and tear gas. Many people have been hurt or arrested. According to official figures, 357 people have been detained, including some who reported being ill-treated by police.
**Government Crackdown**
The UN experts say that the government is trying to limit people’s freedom to express themselves, associate with others, and hold peaceful protests. They are concerned that this crackdown could get worse if a new law restricting protests is passed.
“We urge the Georgian authorities to change course immediately and seek national reconciliation,” said the experts. “They must respect human rights and prevent further repression.”
**Calls for Change**
The UN experts have written to the Georgian government expressing their concerns. They are willing to work with the government to improve human rights in the country.
The situation is particularly worrying ahead of presidential elections on December 14. The UN experts say that if the government does not change its ways, the repression could get even worse.