Amnesty International: Georgian authorities must end the practice of cracking down and beating protesters, and the selective use of criminal law against them - we call on the authorities to ensure that those who are suspected are being held responsible

Amnesty International has launched a global campaign calling on the Georgian authorities to ensure that those responsible for violence against protesters are held accountable, the organization’s website states.

“Since 29 November 2024, people in Georgia have been continuously protesting repressive laws and the government’s move to pause the EU accession process. The authorities have violently suppressed these protests, with reports of torture and ill-treatment of hundreds of protesters. The Georgian government must investigate these human rights violations, hold police officers accountable for their actions, and prevent future abuses.

While the global media coverage of the Georgian protests has largely disappeared, the authorities have intensified their crackdown on protesters, resorting to the use of disproportionate force, exaggerated charges, torture and other ill-treatment, and gender-based violence. Although the Public Defender’s Office documented over 240 instances of torture and ill-treatment of protesters, with 85 of those being officially granted victim status, the numbers are most likely higher. Defying state repression, women protesters have become symbols of courage – but also the target of humiliation, abuse and psychological violence, including from law enforcement. Yet to date not a single police officer has been brought to account.

Failure to hold law enforcement accountable for these violations encourages impunity and is in breach of Georgia’s Constitutional and international human rights commitments. People in Georgia have been using various avenues to make the authorities act. The international community must stand in solidarity and help protect the right to protest!”, reads the statement.

Amnesty International calls on the Prosecutor General of Georgia to ensure that every instance of torture and ill-treatment is promptly, independently and effectively investigated, those who are suspected are being held responsible and victims receive justice and adequate reparations.