300 protestors detained since November have alleged beatings and torture

‘We believe that Saba Skhvitaridze’s prosecution is politically motivated. He should be released, and his torture allegations must be effectively investigated’ - Denis Krivosheev

On 28 January, the Tbilisi City Court extended the pre-trial detention in a high-security prison of Saba Skhvitaridze, an activist accused by police of using violence against law enforcement during ongoing pro-European protests on 5 December 2024.

For several hours after his initial detention, Saba Skhvitaridze was denied access to his legal counsel and was allegedly subjected to torture to extract a confession. Independent medical examinations confirmed injuries consistent with his torture allegations, yet there has been no indication that the authorities have conducted an effective investigation into his claims. Saba Skhvitaridze faces a potential sentence of up to 11 years.

During his remand hearing, the court ordered members of public to leave the courtroom before delivering its decision – a measure largely unprecedented for protest-related trials in Georgia.

Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director, said:

“The Georgian authorities arrested and reportedly subjected Saba Skhvitaridze to torture and other ill-treatment for participation in anti-government protests and have now extended his detention in a hearing concluded behind closed doors.

“We believe that Saba Skhvitaridze’s prosecution is politically motivated. He should be released, and his torture allegations must be effectively investigated.

“If there is sufficient admissible evidence to prosecute him, he should receive a fair trial in an open court hearing. Saba Skhvitaridze’s case is just one of many – hundreds of others face injustice and reprisals in relation to the recent protests in Georgia.”

Police violence against protestors

Police have detained several hundred protesters in Georgia during the latest wave of protest ongoing since 29 November 2024, with more than 300 of those detained alleging beatings and torture and other ill-treatment in detention.

Detainees faced swift court hearings resulting in hefty fines or detention for alleged administrative offences, and over 50 individuals have been arrested as criminal suspects in the context of the ongoing pro-European protests. New legislation has been adopted unduly restricting the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and there has a clear pattern of abuse of administrative and criminal proceedings by the Georgian authorities to crackdown on protest and peaceful dissent.