Amnesty International warns of systematic 'gender-based abuse' of women protesters by Georgian police

Amnesty International has issued a new report exposing a disturbing pattern of gender-based violence and degrading treatment by Georgian police targeting women activists and protesters. The organization accuses the Georgian state of weaponizing sexual violence, threats, and humiliating strip searches as a means to silence dissent—particularly among politically active women.

“Allegations of sexual harassment, rape threats and the use of degrading, full strip searches – which are expressly prohibited by Georgian legislation – have been mounting,” Amnesty states. “These practices point to a deliberate, state-sanctioned effort to humiliate and silence protesters and create a chilling effect on the exercise of human rights.”

The report cites mounting evidence from local human rights defenders, eyewitnesses, and victims themselves. Among the most serious allegations are forced undressings in detention facilities, sexist verbal abuse, rape threats, and unlawful stop-and-search operations. These practices, Amnesty says, are being used with increasing frequency and impunity—especially targeting women protesting against the Georgian Dream government.

The report features the high-profile case of Elene Khoshtaria, an opposition politician who was subjected to a forced strip search upon her detention on March 28, 2025. Amnesty highlights Khoshtaria’s case as part of a systemic pattern of degrading treatment inflicted on female detainees, often without legal justification and in violation of both domestic and international law.

Another prominent example cited is Mzia Amaglobeli, a well-known journalist and founder of Batumelebi and Netgazeti, who has emerged as a symbol of women’s resistance against police violence in Georgia.

Amaglobeli was arbitrarily detained on January 11, along with other activists, for placing protest stickers in Batumi. According to eyewitness accounts, she was subjected to sexist insults by the Batumi police chief. During a verbal altercation, Amaglobeli slapped the officer and was immediately re-arrested and charged with assaulting a police officer, an offense that could carry 4 to 7 years in prison.

She later alleged that during her second detention, the same police chief spat in her face, attempted to physically assault her, and verbally abused her again. Video footage from the arrest supports some of her claims. Amnesty reports that she was denied basic rights, including access to water, restroom facilities, and medical treatment. Her trial is currently ongoing.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Amnesty notes that no police officers have been held accountable for these actions. The Special Investigation Service reportedly launched a formal investigation but has made no meaningful progress, naming no suspects and failing to recognize victims.

Amnesty says these are not isolated incidents, but part of a broader pattern of abuse targeting women activists and journalists critical of the government. The goal, the report argues, is to intimidate, silence, and deter women from participating in protests or speaking out.

“Women protesters in Georgia regularly report facing degrading treatment by the police. To date, no effective investigation has been carried out and none of the officers responsible have been held to account,” the report states.

Amnesty stresses that this culture of impunity poses a serious threat to the exercise of fundamental rights, particularly for women, who are disproportionately targeted and left unprotected by the state.

Amnesty International calls on the Georgian authorities to take immediate action, including:

- Ending the practice of unlawful strip searches and adopting clear, legally grounded procedures that respect dignity and human rights.

- Ensuring independent, impartial investigations into all allegations of verbal abuse, physical violence, and gender-based violations.

- Holding law enforcement officers accountable, including mandatory suspension of those under investigation for serious misconduct.

- Providing full remedies to victims, including compensation, medical rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition.