In 2024, Georgia faced a significant descent into a human rights crisis, as detailed in Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025. The government enacted repressive laws and unleashed fierce police violence against mostly peaceful demonstrators, marking a clear retreat from the European Union accession process and essential human rights reforms. The report underscores troubling global trends where many governments adopted authoritarian measures against their citizens.
Executive Director Tirana Hassan highlighted a bleak panorama; numerous countries engaged in crackdowns, targeting political opponents, activists, and media personnel. The report outlined that armed groups and state forces perpetrated unlawful killings, forced displacements, and obstructed humanitarian aid, while authoritarian regimes seized opportunities during national elections to further marginalize dissenting voices.
Hugh Williamson from Human Rights Watch emphasized the urgent situation in Georgia, stating, “The government is relentlessly taking the country into a repressive era that is uncharted for Georgia but all too familiar in authoritarian states.” He urged a reversal of the state’s course to restore rights and freedoms, appealing for accountability and an end to violence against peaceful protests.
Following the controversial October 2024 elections, which retained the ruling party amidst allegations of fraud, the Georgian authorities abandoned aspirations for EU integration. This drastic shift came despite overwhelming public support for EU membership, triggering nationwide protests met with brutal police responses involving tear gas and rubber bullets.
Parliament enacted the harsh ‘Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence’, compelling NGOs and media receiving foreign funding to register as foreign agents. This imposed extensive reporting burdens and allowed state authorities to extract sensitive information, accompanied by severe penalties for noncompliance, cementing a culture of fear and control over civil society.
Violent assaults against activists spiked, with authorities failing to investigate these brazen acts, suggesting complicity or negligence. In addition, discriminatory amendments targeting LGBTQ+ rights were adopted, further stifling freedoms of expression, assembly, and access to education and healthcare for marginalized communities, creating a pervasive atmosphere of oppression.
International allies of Georgia are called upon to demand accountability and an independent investigation into the clampdown on protests, considering targeted sanctions against responsible officials. This urgent situation demands global vigilance and action to safeguard the fundamental human rights of Georgian citizens.
In 2024, Georgia descended into a human rights crisis characterized by repressive laws, police violence against peaceful protests, and a retreat from EU accession. Human Rights Watch’s report highlights global trends in authoritarianism and calls for urgent international intervention to safeguard human rights and investigate government actions. The Georgian government’s neglect of civil freedoms and rising discriminatory practices against LGBTQ+ individuals further exacerbate the crisis.
The deterioration of human rights in Georgia signifies a critical turning point for the nation, characterized by government oppression and violent suppression of dissent. Repressive laws, targeting of marginalized communities, and abandonment of EU aspirations reflect a troubling trend. Urgent international response is necessary to restore rights and hold officials accountable, embodying a collective stance against authoritarianism.
The article discusses the erosion of human rights in Georgia under increasing governmental repression, as reported by Human Rights Watch. It highlights the government’s shift away from the EU accession process, significant public dissent, violent police responses, and the introduction of suppressive laws that contribute to the broader narrative of authoritarianism affecting many nations.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
