Council of Europe Demands Accountability Over Alleged Police Violence in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, December 18, 2025
The Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty, has sharply criticized Georgian authorities for failing to make meaningful progress in investigating alleged abuses by law enforcement during protests in late 2024, warning that the lack of accountability risks undermining public trust in the justice system.
In a letter addressed to Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze, O'Flaherty said he was "concerned about the lack of tangible progress" in investigations into the alleged disproportionate use of force against protesters and journalists. The letter, published by the Council of Europe, examines cases that the Special Investigation Service initially opened and later transferred to the Prosecutor's Office.
O'Flaherty contrasted the slow pace of these investigations with the speed at which cases against demonstrators were handled. "While criminal proceedings against protesters have moved forward and resulted in convictions, no one has been held accountable for alleged acts of violence committed by law enforcement officers," he wrote.
The Commissioner referred to findings by Georgia's Public Defender, which documented widespread allegations of abuse during the protests. These included claims of torture and reports that female protesters were threatened with sexual violence. O'Flaherty said these conclusions "confirm the gravity of the allegations and the urgent need for an effective investigation."
He also raised serious concerns about the use of water cannons during the demonstrations, particularly after authorities acknowledged that chemical irritants were added to the water. According to O'Flaherty, this practice must be carefully scrutinized. "The use of water cannons containing chemical substances raises serious questions as to the legality, necessity, and proportionality of the force applied," he stated.
Calling for a broader examination of police conduct, O'Flaherty stressed that this issue cannot be ignored. "I consider that the issue of the use of water cannons containing chemical irritants should be addressed as part of the investigation by the Prosecutor's Office into the use of force by law enforcement against protesters in November and December 2024," the letter says.
The Commissioner urged the Georgian authorities to ensure that investigations are conducted promptly and without political influence. "There must be a prompt, thorough, independent, and effective investigation, and accountability for any human rights violations committed against protesters," O'Flaherty wrote, adding that he expects updated information on the measures taken in response to his concerns.
