Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner Urges Georgia to Address Human Rights Concerns
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, January 27, 2025
Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, visited Georgia from January 21 January to 23, 2025, to address pressing human rights issues. During his visit, he engaged with Georgian authorities, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders, praising their resilience amidst increasing challenges.
O'Flaherty expressed concerns over significant human rights shortcomings, particularly regarding accountability for alleged abuses during public demonstrations in April 2024 and November 2024. Despite reports of unlawful arrests and excessive force by law enforcement as well as masked individuals, known colloquially as 'titushkis', no officers have faced prosecution. The Commissioner reiterated his recommendation for all law enforcement personnel to display identification, to enhance accountability, in line with international practices.
The Commissioner raised alarm about recent legal changes that restrict peaceful assembly, including amendments to the laws on public protests and public service. These changes impose a blanket ban on face coverings during protests, expand grounds for administrative arrests, and introduce harsher fines. O'Flaherty criticized the rushed adoption of these laws without meaningful consultation, emphasizing that they undermine fundamental rights.
O'Flaherty highlighted the case of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been on hunger strike since her arrest on January 12, 2025, for allegedly assaulting a police officer. While refraining from commenting on the charges, he described her continued pre-trial detention as unjustified and expressed concern for her health.
The Commissioner criticized the "law on transparency of foreign influence," which requires NGOs and media who receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "organisations pursuing the interests of a foreign power." He called the law an unnecessary restriction on freedom of association.
Additionally, O'Flaherty condemned the recently adopted "law on protecting family values and minors," which prohibits positive references to LGBTI individuals, bans legal gender recognition, and criminalizes trans-specific healthcare. He described the law as discriminatory and warned of its harmful impact on LGBTI communities.
The Commissioner urged Georgian authorities to approach reforms with careful consideration of their cumulative impact on human rights and to uphold international standards. He stressed the importance of addressing legislative shortcomings, ensuring accountability for human rights violations, and fostering an inclusive dialogue.
During his visit, O'Flaherty met with key government officials, including Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Justice, as well as the Public Defender of Georgia. He reaffirmed his commitment to engaging with member states to promote and protect human rights.
