Open Society Georgia representative welcomes Human Rights Watch report, urges release of detained protesters

Giorgi Burjanadze, a representative of Open Society Georgia, has welcomed a new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), saying it affirmed the peaceful nature of pro-European protests in Georgia and strengthened calls for the release of detained demonstrators.

The protests erupted in Georgia in late 2024, when the Georgian Dream authorities announced the halt in the country’s EU integration until 2028, citing an alleged blackmail from the west to get involved in the Russia-Ukraine war. 

Speaking to media on Thursday, Burjanadze said the report, which covers events from November and December [2024], had confirmed that despite isolated incidents, the protests were largely non-violent. “Human Rights Watch, one of the world’s most respected human rights organisations, notes clearly that the demonstrations in Georgia were peaceful,” he said.

He also highlighted HRW’s “direct call” for the release of individuals arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly - including civil society activists and Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti.

Burjanadze further noted the international attention brought by the report could help mobilise stronger support from foreign governments on human rights issues in Georgia. “This will contribute to a clearer international stance on Georgia’s democratic trajectory,” he said.