NGOs Demand Accountability for Police Violence Against Peaceful Protesters
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have strongly condemned the crackdown on peaceful demonstrators by police forces during recent protests in Georgia. The NGOs allege widespread violations of human rights, including inhumane treatment, illegal detentions, and targeted attacks on journalists, actions they describe as unconstitutional and incompatible with international law.
The organizations claim that the Georgian government, which they label as "self-proclaimed, unconstitutional, and illegitimate" following what they describe as "hijacked elections," is engaging in "unprecedented repression" against peaceful protesters. Among the violations cited are:
- Disproportionate Police Deployment: Heavily armed Special Tasks Department units, led by U.S.-sanctioned Zviad Kharazishvili, reportedly used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, and water cannons mixed with an unknown chemical substance causing severe discomfort.
- Masked and Unidentifiable Officers: Officers wore masks and lacked distinguishing marks on their uniforms, making accountability difficult and allegedly encouraging impunity.
- Provocation and Brutality: Law enforcement reportedly provoked protesters, used offensive language, and resorted to physical violence, including dragging peaceful participants from the rally site.
- Illegal Detention Practices: Protesters were allegedly detained randomly, including individuals leaving the rally peacefully. Many detainees were denied access to legal representation or contact with relatives, with their locations concealed by authorities.
NGOs highlighted a series of targeted attacks on journalists, which they claim occurred daily during the protests. Over 50 journalists were reportedly obstructed or assaulted, with several sustaining severe injuries. Notable incidents involved Formula journalist Guram Rogava, TV Pirveli journalist Mariam Gaprindashvili, and Publika journalist Aleksandre Keshelashvili, who reportedly suffered significant health impacts.
The NGOs issued a series of urgent demands to address the alleged abuses:
- Ministry of Internal Affairs: Cease violent retaliation, release detained demonstrators, and ensure police act within the bounds of the law.
- Special Investigation Service: Conduct a thorough investigation into alleged crimes, including obstruction of journalistic activity, and promptly submit findings to the Prosecutor's Office.
- Prosecutor's Office: Oversee investigations effectively, prosecute perpetrators, and review the legality of arrests.
- Judiciary: Stop using legal mechanisms for punitive actions against peaceful protesters and ensure justice for victims.
- Constitutional Court: Declare elections invalid due to alleged procedural violations and secrecy surrounding the process.
