Human rights activists have condemned systematic police violence against protesters in Georgia, particularly following extensive protests ignited by the government’s decision to pause the country’s EU integration until 2028. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association highlights torture, beatings of demonstrators, and oppressive laws as tools the authorities employ to dismantle peaceful assembly, escalating to alarming levels since protests began in November 2024.
The state’s crackdown on demonstrators includes severe human rights abuses: indiscriminate police violence using water cannons and tear gas; assaults by hired thugs; arbitrary detentions of approximately 500 individuals; and unwarranted searches in various public and private spaces. New legislation has also been introduced to further restrict the freedoms of speech and assembly.
Violence during these confrontations was indiscriminate, often targeting peaceful protesters. Accounts reveal officers brutally assaulted those already on the ground, highlighting unchecked aggression. Many officers lacked identification, cultivating a culture of impunity, while state-sanctioned thugs were allowed to terrorize media personnel and demonstrators alike.
The usage of chemical agents in crowd control poses severe health risks, as the police sometimes added harmful substances to water used in cannons. This practice violates international human rights guidelines and leaves protesters vulnerable long after the event. Evidence shows direct assaults on demonstrators, with police employing siege tactics that endanger lives and instill fear, contradicting the principles of peaceful assembly.
Human rights activists criticize the escalating police violence against protesters in Georgia. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association reports human rights abuses including torture, unwarranted detentions, and the use of harmful chemicals by law enforcement. The violent crackdown challenges the principles of democracy and violates international human rights norms, warranting international attention and intervention.
The systematic police violence against protesters in Georgia raises serious human rights concerns. The violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations undermines democracy and poses significant risks to public health and individual freedoms. The reliance on hired thugs and oppressive legislation creates a fear-driven environment that silences dissent. Overall, the situation in Georgia calls for urgent attention from international human rights bodies to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly and protect those who exercise their right to protest.
In late November 2024, large-scale protests erupted in Georgia after the government announced a suspension of EU integration efforts. This triggered significant outrage and the mobilization of citizens demanding accountability and transparency. Human rights organizations have actively reported on the authoritarian measures enacted to suppress dissent, revealing a troubling pattern of violence against peaceful demonstrators.
Original Source: jam-news.net
