Prepared by Messenger Staff
U.S. Helsinki Commission Expresses Solidarity with Georgian Protestors, Condemns Government Repression
On November 29, U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson and Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen issued a statement in support of Georgian citizens who have been protesting against the Georgian Dream (GD) party's decision to suspend the country's European Union accession process. The statement condemned the violence directed at peaceful protestors, emphasizing that "those peaceful protests were met with extreme violence," which the representatives condemned "in the harshest terms possible."
The statement also highlighted concerns over the legitimacy of the Georgian government, pointing to evidence that the GD government manipulated the country's October elections to maintain its hold on power and obstruct the Georgian people's "unequivocal aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration". Wilson and Cohen emphasized that the Georgian government's actions, such as appointing a new government without opposition participation or presidential approval, were "in contravention of Georgia's constitution," thus rendering it "illegitimate".
The U.S. representatives expressed their continued support for the Georgian people's efforts to restore democracy, urging both the current and incoming U.S. administrations to assist in "the fight to restore democracy and freedom." They concluded their statement by calling for the U.S. State Department to hold accountable those responsible for violating the right to peacefully protest and elect leaders.
GYLA Reports Over 200 Arrests and Violations During Tbilisi Protests Against Georgian Dream's EU Suspension
The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association (GYLA) reported over 200 arrests during protests in Tbilisi from November 28 to December 1, following the Georgian Dream party's decision to suspend the country's bid for European Union membership until 2028. The arrests included minors, women, journalists, and members of the cultural sector and non-governmental organizations.
GYLA's statement highlighted disturbing conditions during the protests, including reports of police brutality, psychological violence, and a lack of adequate medical care for detainees. Additionally, many detainees reported the theft or loss of personal belongings, including mobile phones. The group condemned the disregard for legal standards during trials, making it difficult for lawyers to effectively represent their clients.
In response to these violations, GYLA has called for the immediate release of all detainees, the cessation of proceedings against them, and full legal protection of detainees' rights. The organization emphasized the need for lawyers to have full access to their clients and for detainees to receive appropriate medical treatment.
