Council of Europe calls on Georgian authorities to uphold peaceful assembly rights amid protests

Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged Georgian authorities to respect the rights to peaceful assembly, expression, and media freedom amidst ongoing protests in the country.

“I am following with serious concern reports of disproportionate use of force by police against predominantly peaceful demonstrators and journalists,” O’Flaherty stated. He highlighted findings from the Georgian Public Defender’s Office, which noted that of 201 individuals interviewed in recent days, many reported police ill-treatment, with injuries suggesting excessive force, including severe facial and head trauma.

The Commissioner also referenced a Council of Europe alert from 29 November, detailing assaults on at least 35 journalists covering the protests. “Force, if used, must be a last resort and adhere to strict standards of necessity and proportionality,” O’Flaherty emphasized, stressing the importance of de-escalation and condemning excessive measures like water cannons and pepper spray.

While acknowledging some violent acts by protesters, the Commissioner stated that such incidents do not justify broad use of excessive force. He called for the immediate release of individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights and urged authorities to ensure journalists can work without interference.

O’Flaherty also welcomed the Special Investigation Service’s inquiry into allegations of police misconduct but insisted that all abuses be thoroughly investigated, with perpetrators held accountable. He stressed the necessity for law enforcement officers to wear visible identification to aid accountability.

“I will continue to observe the situation closely and raise these issues with the Georgian authorities,” O’Flaherty concluded.