Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe (Co E) Commissioner for Human Rights, concluded a visit to Georgia, during which he highlighted serious human rights concerns and called on authorities to ensure accountability, protect civil liberties, and uphold international standards. Over three days, O’Flaherty met with government officials, civil society representatives, and human rights defenders, commending their resilience despite growing challenges.
The Commissioner expressed deep concern over the treatment of protesters and the failure to hold law enforcement accountable for alleged misconduct. He pointed to reports of excessive force and unlawful arrests during demonstrations in 2024 and early 2025. Although legal action against protesters has progressed, no police officers or unidentified masked individuals accused of ill-treatment have faced prosecution. O’Flaherty reiterated the importance of ensuring police officers are properly identified during public demonstrations to prevent abuse and facilitate accountability.
The Commissioner also raised alarm over recent legislative changes that, he said, threaten fundamental freedoms. Amendments to laws governing protests have introduced new restrictions, such as a blanket ban on face coverings and harsher penalties for protest-related offenses. Additionally, changes to public service laws have weakened job protections for civil servants, raising concerns about the broader implications for civil liberties.
During his visit, O’Flaherty met with journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been on hunger strike since her arrest earlier this month. She was detained on allegations of assaulting a police officer, but the Commissioner described her continued pre-trial detention as unjustified and urged authorities to reconsider her case.
The Commissioner criticized the growing challenges faced by civil society organizations in Georgia. He condemned the adoption of the Transparency of Foreign Influence law, which requires NGOs and media receiving more than a fifth of their funding from abroad to register as foreign agents, regardless of evidence. O’Flaherty called this measure a disproportionate restriction on freedom of association, warning that it could stigmatize and undermine civil society.
Particular attention was drawn to a new law targeting LGBTI communities, which bans positive representation of LGBTI people in public discourse, prohibits legal gender recognition, and criminalizes trans-specific healthcare. O’Flaherty stated that these measures are incompatible with human rights standards, warning of their harmful impact on vulnerable groups and the heightened stigma and fear they face.
In meetings with senior Georgian officials, including representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Justice, as well as the Public Defender’s office, O’Flaherty urged a reassessment of recent laws and policies. He emphasized the need to align reforms with international human rights standards and to consider the cumulative effect of legislative and administrative changes on the country’s democratic and civil rights landscape.
The Commissioner concluded by urging Georgian authorities to ensure accountability, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights of all citizens, particularly marginalized communities and civil society actors.
