Violent dispersal of protest in Tbilisi saw women politicians and journalists subjected to sexual insults and physical attack

Authorities used water cannon, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets

‘All allegations of police brutality must be promptly and effectively investigated’ - Denis Krivosheev

Responding to the violent dispersal by the Georgian authorities earlier today of what started as a peaceful protest in the capital Tbilisi, Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director, said:

“The Georgian authorities have launched yet another punitive operation against peaceful protesters.

“The use of water cannon, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets aimed at protesters’ faces at close range - as well as the chasing and incessant beating of peaceful demonstrators - shows the Government’s determination to suppress dissent through the unlawful use of force by the police.

“Police violence including - the ill-treatment of detainees - must immediately stop.

“All allegations of police brutality must be promptly and effectively investigated, including those relating to more than 20 instances of violent assault against journalists.

“People detained solely for their peaceful participation in the protests must be immediately released, and those reasonably suspected of internationally-recognised crimes must receive fair trials.

“We also call on the international community to closely monitor the unfolding administrative and criminal proceedings against protesters to help ensure that judicial proceedings are not exploited to unduly punish those exercising their right to protest.”

Journalists and opposition politicians assaulted

Yesterday, protests erupted in Tbilisi after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would suspend negotiations on EU membership until 2028. Protesters, who were later joined by President Salome Zurabishvili, blocked streets near the Georgian parliament with barricades, demanding a reversal of the decision. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 43 protesters were detained - accused of disobedience and minor hooliganism - while investigations under more serious charges are ongoing. The Ombudsperson of Georgia criticised the unlawful use of force and ill-treatment of peaceful protesters and journalists by police for “revenge and intimidation”. More than 30 journalists were reportedly assaulted by law-enforcement officials, including Formula TV’s Guram Rogava, who was struck on the head, and Publika’s Lekso Keshelashvili, who suffered a broken nose. Several women politicians and journalists reported being subjected to gendered and sexual insults and degrading treatment, including opposition politicians Elene Khoshratia and Nana Malashkhia, who sustained serious injuries, and Radio Free Europe journalist Salome Chanduneli, who suffered physical assault and insults. Protesters plan to reassemble at 7 pm local time today.