Human Rights Watch has condemned the violent crackdown on largely peaceful protesters in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, calling the level of force used by the authorities “shocking.” In a new report, the international human rights organization details disturbing accounts of police brutality, with protesters being chased down, beaten, and tortured by security forces.
Widespread Violence by Security Forces
The report paints a grim picture of the protests that have gripped Tbilisi, where security forces have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse crowds. Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, authorities responded with overwhelming force, reportedly to suppress dissent and deter further demonstrations.
Human Rights Watch describes the violence as “punitive,” with police and security forces violently detaining protesters, often dragging them behind police lines where they continued to endure physical abuse. The crackdown appears to be not just an attempt to quell the protests but to punish those involved, with demonstrators facing significant injuries and long-term trauma.
The level of violence reported is both disturbing and, according to Human Rights Watch, a direct violation of Georgia’s domestic laws and international human rights norms. The security forces’ actions have drawn widespread condemnation from rights groups, who say that the use of force was excessive and disproportionate.
Accounts of Protesters: Harrowing Testimonies
Survivors of the police violence shared their stories with Human Rights Watch, describing head traumas, broken bones, and brutal beatings. Many victims sustained concussions and fractures to their faces, ribs, and limbs, while others endured scratches and bruises all over their bodies. The brutality reportedly continued even after protesters were detained, with many alleging torture and mistreatment in police vans and stations.
Local monitoring groups have confirmed that more than 460 individuals have been arrested since the protests began on November 28. Most of those detained face administrative charges, while around 30 individuals are facing criminal charges. However, the most troubling part of the report is the consistent allegations of abuse during and after the arrests. Over 300 protesters have alleged mistreatment, and at least 80 of them required hospitalization due to their injuries.
Human Rights Watch notes that the authorities have failed to take meaningful steps to address these serious allegations, and in some cases, seem to have condoned or even authorized the violence.
The scale of police violence includes:
- Chasing and encircling protesters
- Beating detained individuals with batons
- Torturing detainees in police stations
Failure of Accountability and Justice
Despite the overwhelming evidence of police misconduct, Georgia’s government has failed to hold security forces accountable for their actions. Rights groups argue that the lack of effective investigations into the allegations of violence is deeply troubling, especially given the severity of the mistreatment.
Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, strongly criticized the Georgian government, stating that “the level of the authorities’ violence against largely peaceful protesters is shocking, blatantly retaliatory, and violates Georgia’s domestic laws and international norms.” He went on to say that the scale of the ill-treatment, combined with the failure of authorities to address the issue, suggests that the government either authorized or condoned the violence.
The lack of accountability has sparked concerns both within Georgia and internationally. Human rights groups are calling on the government to conduct independent investigations into the incidents, ensure that those responsible for the violence are held accountable, and take steps to prevent further abuse.
