Amnesty Int’l condemns violence on Georgian protesters, calls for release of detainees and investigation

Amnesty International has strongly condemned the violent suppression of peaceful protests in Georgia, sparked by the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028. With widespread public support for joining the EU, the demonstrations have been met with excessive force, mass detentions, and targeted attacks, raising serious human rights concerns.

Protesters have reported brutal treatment by police, including the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons with chemical irritants. Many demonstrators have suffered beatings, with over 300 cases of alleged torture and ill-treatment recorded. Journalists covering the protests have also been targeted, with dozens facing physical violence, equipment destruction, and threats.

Amnesty noted that over 460 individuals have been arbitrarily detained, with many reporting coercion and denial of medical care while in custody. Courts have been accused of favoring police accounts, ignoring evidence of misconduct, and issuing harsh penalties against protesters. State-affiliated groups have also reportedly attacked demonstrators and media workers with impunity.

The organization is urging the Georgian government to immediately halt the violence and ensure the rights to peaceful assembly and expression are protected. It has called for transparent investigations into allegations of police brutality, the release of detained protesters, and fair judicial processes. Amnesty has also emphasized the need to hold perpetrators accountable and end the culture of impunity.

Internationally, Amnesty is calling on foreign governments to condemn the actions of the Georgian authorities and pressure them to uphold human rights. The organization has also urged UN Special Rapporteurs to launch independent investigations into the events unfolding in Georgia.

Amnesty International warned that Georgia’s handling of the protests threatens the country’s democratic foundations and must be addressed urgently.