Multiple human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA, leading Georgian human rights advocacy), have reported allegations of excessive force and ill-treatment of protesters by Georgian police and security forces between November 28 and December 20, 2024. The incidents occurred during protests in Tbilisi, sparked by the ruling party’s decision to halt European Union accession talks.
Broader Context and Calls for Accountability
The protests began after the ruling Georgian Dream party (right-wing, conservative, pro-Russian party) suspended European Union (EU) accession talks, following disputed parliamentary elections on October 26 that were criticized for alleged vote-rigging. Demonstrators demanded new elections, a resumption of EU negotiations, and the release of detained individuals.
Administrative trials following arrests have been criticized for relying solely on police testimony while overlooking allegations of mistreatment. The Special Investigation Service, the state agency investigating official misconduct, has opened inquiries into alleged abuse of power and interference with journalistic activities, but no charges have been filed.
Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association Report: Patterns of Abuse
GYLA, supported by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), the Independent Forensic Expert Group (IFEG), and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), investigated the treatment of protesters. Their findings are based on photographs, videos, interviews, forensic examinations of 11 victims, and medical records.
Key findings:
- A pattern of head and facial trauma identified through forensic analysis.
- Witnesses and victims described the protests as peaceful.
- Police used pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons containing chemicals to disperse crowds.
- Tear gas potency caused severe irritation, disorientation, and headaches, even outdoors.
- Water cannons with chemical additives were deployed in temperatures ranging from -1°C to +8°C.
- Protesters reported unprovoked physical violence while attempting to leave protest areas that lacked clear exit routes.
- Incidents of violence occurred on Rustaveli Avenue, nearby streets, and in police vehicles.
- Victims recounted being kicked and punched, with a later focus on body blows to minimize visible injuries.
- Protesters reported threats and degrading comments, including references to sexual violence.
- Journalists and media workers were also targeted, with several arrests and documented instances of violence. Injuries included concussions, broken noses, neurological damage, and psychological trauma.
- Forensic evidence indicated the use of hardened gloves to increase injury severity.
Human Rights Watch Findings
HRW corroborated many of GYLA’s findings, citing widespread use of excessive force by police and security forces. Interviews with survivors outlined a pattern of severe injuries, including fractures and head traumas.
Additional HRW points:
- Police officers wore riot gear and full-face masks without identifiable insignia.
- More than 460 protesters were arrested, with about 300 alleging mistreatment.
- Approximately 80 detainees required hospitalization for injuries sustained in custody.
- Most protesters were charged with administrative offenses, while 30 faced criminal charges.
- Witnesses reported individuals being pulled behind police lines and beaten, in some cases resulting in loss of consciousness.
- Journalists covering the protests were also affected. Aleksandre Keshelashvili, a journalist from Publika.ge, reported being beaten despite wearing a press vest and helmet, sustaining a broken nose and concussion. The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics documented over 70 cases of violence or interference involving media workers.
International Responses
As a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, Georgia is supposedly obliged to protect freedom of assembly and investigate police misconduct. Masked officers are required to display identifying insignia under European Court of Human Rights guidelines.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has invoked the Vienna Mechanism (the procedure for addressing OSCE concerns) requesting detailed information from the Georgian government. If the government does not comply, the OSCE may escalate to the Moscow Mechanism, allowing independent investigations without Georgia’s consent.
European Union member states have been urged to impose sanctions under the EU’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime on officials involved in the violence. The EU has also been encouraged to enhance support for Georgian civil society and independent media.
Human rights organizations, including HRW and GYLA, have called for the immediate release of those detained for exercising their right to peaceful assembly. They emphasize the need for thorough investigations into allegations of police violence to ensure accountability at all levels.
Failure to uphold these principles could further escalate tensions in Georgia and isolate the country internationally, especially since certain Georgian figures have been targeted by United States sanctions and the EU is considering suspending visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passports.