A group of more than 170 psychologists in Georgia has issued a statement demanding the release of individuals detained during recent pro-European protests and the scheduling of new elections. They have also condemned politically motivated dismissals from public service and called for an end to “citizen torture, oppression, and any form of violence.”
The psychologists’ statement highlights the deepening national crisis, emphasizing that it poses a threat not only to Georgia’s democratic development and European integration but also to the well-being and mental health of its citizens.
“The regime’s illegitimate use of force against citizens, including torture, crackdowns, persecution, threats, illegal detentions, and systematic physical and psychological pressure, causes immense harm not only to the direct victims of violence but also to the mental health of every one of us,” the statement reads.
The group noted that the crisis has a particularly severe impact on vulnerable groups, such as adolescents, individuals with mental health challenges, socially disadvantaged populations, and others. They underlined the crucial role of psychologists and mental health professionals in supporting these groups, stressing that political dismissals of specialists working to protect their interests have severely undermined this effort.
The statement also called attention to the use of psychological manipulation to mislead the public, citing examples such as the deliberate distortion of information and falsification of statistical data. The psychologists warned that such tactics negatively influence public attitudes, emotions, and behaviors, creating an atmosphere of fear, hatred, division, and distress.
“Unethical use of psychological techniques undermines human dignity, autonomy, and public trust in democratic processes, which we categorically oppose,” the psychologists declared.
The group further emphasized the importance of Georgia maintaining its connections with developed nations and Western partners to ensure access to quality psychological services. They pointed out that international collaborations had previously contributed to the country’s mental health sector by providing valuable resources and enhancing systems that benefited thousands of citizens.
“Continuous access to qualified services has been a strategic factor in strengthening the psychological and social support of society. It is equally important that the legislation does not violate basic rights to personal privacy and confidentiality,” the statement concluded.
