Republic of Georgia: Rights Official Condemns "Torture" of Protestors

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DEC 4 2024

Above: Protesters holding Georgian and European flags clash with police on Dec. 1, 2024, during a demonstration against the government's decision to delay EU membership talks amid a post-election crisis in Tbilisi. Image copyright: Giorgi Arjevanidze/Contributor/AFP via Getty Imagesstory last updated DEC 5 2024

The Facts

Georgia's Ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, has accused police of using torture against protesters, citing systematic injuries to the faces, eyes, and heads of detained demonstrators.
Mass protests began on Nov. 28 in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, and other cities after the government announced that it would suspend EU accession talks until 2028.
More than 330 protesters have been detained during demonstrations, while 143 police officers have required medical treatment, as authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons against crowds waving EU and Georgian flags.

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The government's crackdown on peaceful protesters represents systematic repression reminiscent of Russian methods, targeting journalists and opposition leaders while betraying Georgia's constitutional commitment to European integration and democratic values.

Civil Georgia PEN International

Establishment-critical narrative

These government moves come after the EU has attempted to Blackmail Georgia into submission to the bloc's terms. Officials are taking a dignified and legitimate stand against European hegemony through their refusal to engage in accession talks under these conditions, and Georgians should back the decision.

TASS