Social Justice Center Accuses Police of Systemic Brutality, Demands Accountability
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
The Social Justice Center (SJC), a local human rights watchdog, has condemned what it calls the "excessive use of force by police officers" and "brutal retaliation" against demonstrators. The SJC describes these actions as a "normalized practice" in recent protests and is calling for investigations by the Special Investigation Service (SIS) and the Prosecutor's Office, particularly into the accountability of senior officers like Zviad Kharazishvili. The organization has also urged the Ministry of Interior to explain the arrests of demonstrators and release those still in detention.
Following a protest near Tbilisi Mall on February 2, the SJC stated that the police actions were not about law enforcement but rather about punishing and retaliating against citizens. The watchdog highlighted "particularly alarming" cases where police officers allegedly targeted individuals based on political affiliation or other factors, warning that such behavior creates a "dangerous environment for hate crime" and violates police neutrality.
During the protest, large numbers of masked police officers were deployed, cordoning off both sides of the highway. The SJC stressed that the use of masked officers, whose identities were unconfirmable, violates human rights standards and contributes to "total impunity."
The SJC referred to multiple videos circulating on social media that allegedly show police brutality against peaceful demonstrators. These include footage of detainees being beaten during arrests, inside police vans, and a particularly disturbing video showing Zviad Kharazishvili, head of the Special Tasks Department, assaulting a protester.
The SJC also criticized the government's decision to criminalize roadblocks, arguing that it undermines fundamental legal principles. The organization claims that a blanket prohibition on roadblocks, without considering the size of a rally or the specific circumstances, violates both the Georgian Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Despite several instances of police violence since November 28, the SJC notes that no officer has been punished or investigated. The organization continues to demand accountability and safeguards to protect citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.
