Civil Network OPORA strongly condemns the use of violence and human rights abuses during the detention of peaceful protesters in Tbilisi.

The preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that human rights should be protected by the rule of law so that the people are not compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression. In the contrary case, if the government attempts to usurp power and infringes liberties and dignity rights of citizens, they shall enjoy the natural right of rebellion and resistance to oppression. 

Meanwhile, the police officers have taken violent measures against protesters, which are disproportionate to the level of threat to public order and thus unacceptable. In a democratic society, the police should play the role of a defender of the rights and freedoms of citizens rather than an instrument of repression. Every violent act committed by law enforcers must be investigated and the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Detention of ISFED representative

OPORA expresses its support for Shota Narsia, who is a human rights activist representing a Georgian NGO “International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy” (ISFED). On December 1, 2024, he took part in a peaceful demonstration and was detained by riot police that used tear gas to disperse protesters.

During the unprovoked attack, Shota was severely beaten by police officers. He received a blow on the head and got knocked down. He was kicked in the leg several times, dragged along the ground, chased and pushed against a wall. As a result, Shota suffered an injury to his spine and kidneys.

According to media reports, the human rights activist did not resist arrest. In a conversation with his lawyer, Shota also said that police officers subjected him to extreme forms of verbal harassment and psychological intimidation after finding out about his affiliation with ISFED.

ISFED demanded Shota’s release from custody and a thorough investigation into alleged police misconduct committed during the arrest of its representative. Furthermore, ISFED strongly condemned the inhumane and degrading treatment of detainees.

The court hearing took place on December 2, 2024. As a result, Shota Narsia was released from the detention facility after paying a fine of 2,800 Georgian lari (equivalent to 984 US dollars).

Mass detention of peaceful protesters in Georgia

According to Legal Aid Network lawyers, the majority of those who were detained on the streets of Tbilisi on December 2, 2024, received a severe beating. Some of them are undergoing treatment in medical institutions. Their bodies are covered in bruises. They sustained facial injuries, including broken noses and jaw fractures. All of the hospitalized protesters have concussions and numerous haematomas. They struggle with walking and talking.

According to the detainees, they were subjected to violence by law enforcers both during and after their arrest. They were mercilessly beaten in prisoner vans by at least six police officers who took turns in attacking them. After a long and continuous beating, the vans were covered in blood. An older officer, who appeared to be supervising the torture, took care to ensure that the detainees did not suffer fatal injuries. After getting out of the van, the detainees were forced to walk through a corridor of riot police officers who kicked them in the face and on the back.

Georgian ombudsman Levan Ioseliani also called on the police to refrain from going beyond the law: “We visited 156 detainees, of which 124 (or almost 80%) claimed to have been subjected to violence and inhuman treatment. That is a very alarming proportion. The number of people who have allegedly suffered from excessive force by the police is increasing rapidly.”

Eruption of protests over suspended European integration  

The protests in Georgia erupted on November 28 in response to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s statement on the government decision to decline grant budget support from the European Union and to delay EU accession negotiations until the end of 2028. According to Kobakhidze, the Georgian authorities are angry about European pressure in the form of calls for holding new parliamentary elections and exercising independent control over vote tabulation. Meanwhile, the Georgian opposition and civil society do not recognize the election results and accuse the authorities of large-scale election fraud.

The “Georgian Dream” party, which claimed the victory in parliamentary elections, announced the formation of government and named a candidate for the post of president of Georgia – former professional footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili. According to the newly-established procedure, the next president will be elected by members of the parliament rather than direct popular vote. The incumbent president Salome Zurabishvili voiced her support for the citizens and joined the protest rally. She refused to recognize the legitimacy of newly elected parliament and said that she will continue in office.

The 2013-2014 Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine began with Euromaidan protests in support of democratic values and the European vector of development. The then government of Ukraine made a unilateral decision to abandon the policy of European integration. As history shows, however, the people’s desire for European integration cannot be ignored.

It bears reminding that there have already been protests in Georgia earlier this year – after the parliament passed a law on “foreign agents”.