Widespread Protests Met with Force

Throughout 2024, Georgia witnessed a surge in public demonstrations fueled by concerns over governmental policies. These protests, spanning from April to December, addressed issues ranging from the controversial “transparency of foreign influence” law to disputed election results and the suspension of EU accession procedures. however, these expressions of dissent were frequently met with forceful responses from law enforcement.

Police Brutality and Excessive Force

Reports indicate that police tactics against demonstrators frequently enough exceeded acceptable boundaries. Predominantly peaceful gatherings were disrupted by officers employing chemical irritants and water cannons, often without prior warning. These actions resulted in numerous injuries and arrests. The crackdown extended beyond the immediate protest sites, with reports of police conducting searches and arrests in protesters’ homes and offices. During November and December 2024 alone, approximately 500 individuals were reportedly detained in connection with protest activities.

The police acted against the mostly peaceful demonstrators by attacking, injuring and arresting them up close and without warning with chemical irritants and water cannons and hundreds of them.

Targeting of Journalists

The suppression of dissent extended to members of the press.Journalists covering the protests faced harassment, intimidation, and physical violence. Over 50 journalists reportedly sustained injuries while reporting on the November and December demonstrations. Furthermore, reports suggest that police officers deliberately damaged journalistic equipment and obstructed reporters from carrying out their professional duties. This targeting of the media raises serious concerns about freedom of the press and the public’s right to information.

During the protests in November and December, more than 50 journalists were reportedly injured and treated in a humiliating and humiliating way. In addition, the police were destroyed by the police, and they were prevented in various ways in the exercise of their professional activity.

Impunity for Attacks and Intimidation

Adding to the climate of fear,incidents of violence and intimidation perpetrated by unidentified individuals have gone uninvestigated.For exmaple, on May 3, 2024, in Tbilisi, individuals in civilian clothing reportedly attacked a group of protesters.Similarly, in December, masked individuals allegedly threatened and assaulted demonstrators and journalists while police officers were present. The lack of accountability for these incidents raises questions about the potential complicity or purposeful inaction of law enforcement.

None of these incidents were examined in a targeted manner, and there were no investigations to hold the police officers or the masked people who had carried out violence.

New Laws Restricting Freedoms

The situation has been further exacerbated by the enactment of new laws on December 30, 2024, which impose stricter limitations on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. These laws introduce arbitrary restrictions, such as imposing hefty fines for displaying protest slogans or posters, masking one’s face during demonstrations, or the participation of minors in protests. Moreover,the police have been granted the authority to detain individuals suspected of committing a crime for up to 48 hours under the guise of “preventive” measures.Critics argue that these laws represent a important erosion of essential rights and could be used to stifle dissent.

From now on, the attachment of protest slogans or posters, the mashed of the face and the participation of minors in demonstrations could be punished with high fines. In addition, the police were given the authority to take up to 48 hours of persons who were suspected of committing a crime in “preventive”.

International Concerns and Implications

the crackdown on protests and the introduction of restrictive laws in Georgia have drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and raised concerns about the country’s commitment to democratic principles. These developments could potentially impact Georgia’s relationship with international partners, particularly the European Union, as the country seeks closer integration. The situation warrants close monitoring to ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms and the upholding of the rule of law.