These documents, prepared by Georgia’s European Orbit, in collaboration with the Human Rights’ Center of the University of Georgia, provide a detailed account of human rights violations during the pro-European protests in Georgia from November 28 to December 18, 2024. The reports are based on publicly available sources, victim testimonies, statements from 11 NGOs, including Transparency International Georgia, and official data. Key findings include:
Arbitrary Detentions and Ill-Treatment: Over 450 individuals detained under administrative procedures reported incidents of torture, abuse, and degrading treatment. Women detainees faced sexual harassment and threats by law enforcement.
Suppression of Protesters and Journalists: Hundreds of protesters were unlawfully detained, including activists, students, and professionals. Approximately 80 journalists were physically assaulted or injured, with no accountability for the perpetrators.
Judicial Bias and Impunity: Courts relied solely on police testimonies, often ignoring defense evidence. No police officers have been held accountable for documented abuses, further eroding public trust in the judicial system.
Criminal Prosecutions and Retaliation: More than 30 individuals, including students, professors, and professionals, face criminal charges for participating in peaceful demonstrations. Allegations of planted evidence and coerced confessions have been reported.
Violent Crackdowns by Masked Groups ("Titushki"): Informal, masked groups carried out assaults on peaceful citizens near homes and public spaces. Despite their identification by victims and media, none have been prosecuted.
Legislative Restrictions: New laws limit the freedom of assembly and grant police excessive powers, allowing arbitrary detentions and imposing severe penalties on peaceful protesters.
These findings underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to safeguard fundamental rights, ensure accountability, and uphold democratic values in Georgia.
