The European Union has condemned the ongoing violence and repression faced by protesters, opposition leaders, and media representatives in Georgia, stating that additional measures will be considered at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council on December 16.
For nearly two weeks, Georgian citizens have endured brutal, unlawful force from police while exercising their right to freedom of expression, with arbitrary detentions and targeted violence against journalists and activists, the bloc said on Tuesday.
“Over 400 people have been detained, and more than 300 reportedly subjected to violence and mistreatment, with many requiring urgent medical attention. Civil society organizations and Georgia’s Public Defender have raised alarm over severe human rights violations, including allegations of torture. Despite these concerns, no police officers or members of informal violent groups have been held accountable”, it said.
The EU has called for the immediate release of all detained individuals and for an end to the widespread political persecution. The bloc has stressed that fundamental rights, including the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, must be upheld in line with Georgia’s Constitution and international obligations.
