Original Source: news.un.org
The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, has called upon Georgian authorities to uphold and safeguard basic rights, particularly freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. His urgent plea follows a series of destructive protests in Tbilisi, where authorities deployed excessive force to quell dissent, leading to injuries among protesters and media workers. The rights chief expressed deep concern over police actions that employed pepper spray, water cannons, and other harmful measures against demonstrators, as unrest grew from a prime ministerial decision to delay EU talks.
In the heart of Tbilisi, tensions escalated with protests erupting over political actions perceived as curtailing Georgia’s path towards European integration. Protesters sought to demonstrate their dissent, but their voices were met with a heavy-handed response from law enforcement. Amidst claims of violence and aggression on both sides, the rights chief emphasized that peaceful assembly must be respected as a fundamental human right, urging authorities to foster an environment conducive to open expression.
In summary, the UN human rights chief’s strong advocacy for the protection of civil liberties in Georgia underscores the pressing need for accountability and restraint from both authorities and protesters. With significant numbers detained, including minors, the call for respect towards basic rights echoes loudly amid this unrest. Georgian officials must address the troubling use of force, ensuring that all citizens can express their views freely and safely.
