Georgian Watchdog Reports on Abuse of Power in Courts and Police
The Georgian Association of Young Lawyers (GYLA) has released a report that says the country‘s prosecution and courts are manipulating criminal charges and delaying proceedings to repress protests. The report is based on 50 cases against demonstrators.
Most protesters were arrested on administrative charges, but some faced serious crimes like organizing violence or damaging property. GYLA analyzed cases from April and May when people protested against a foreign agent law and November and December when police broke up demonstrations.
The watchdog says that courts deliberately dragged out investigations and hearings to prevent President Salome Zurabishvili from pardoning activists once they were sentenced. This, the report claims, raises doubts about the impartiality of the prosecution and courts.
GYLA also notes that detention was often used as a preventive measure without considering factors like age, health, or family circumstances. Some protesters were detained even though it was not justified by law. The prosecution only mentioned reasons like evading justice, destroying evidence, or committing new crimes in passing.
Furthermore, the report says that the prosecution accused individuals of being part of an organized group despite a lack of evidence showing coordination or collective action. GYLA questions the validity of these charges and warns that such actions could become a tool for restricting freedom of expression and political persecution.
The report also highlights cases of mistreatment and torture. Opposition leaders Aleko Elisashvili, Saba Skhvitaridze, and Revaz Kiknadze were named as victims of abuse. Skhvitaridze was allegedly beaten twice in detention, while Kiknadze faced psychological and verbal abuse.
GYLA also criticized the Special Investigation Service for failing to act on cases of police violence against protesters and journalists. Despite evidence of violence, no investigations have been launched, and perpetrators remain unidentified.
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