Over 90 protesters, 108 journalists report abuse in Georgia amid pro-European protests, NGOs

A coalition of 12 Georgian civil society organizations on Wednesday released a report alleging systemic human rights violations by law enforcement during protests between November 28, 2024, and February 28, 2025 against halted EU integration. 

The report, led by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), has documented claims from 117 individuals, with over 77% reporting violence or ill-treatment by police.

The findings highlighted the use of alleged excessive force, including life-threatening special means, to suppress peaceful assemblies. Additionally, 108 cases of violence against media representatives were recorded, suggesting alleged targeted attacks on journalists amid reported discrediting campaigns by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

The report also detailed the instrumentalization of administrative and criminal justice systems to penalize protest participants, with over 60 individuals facing criminal charges related to the demonstrations. Other documented abuses included alleged enforced disappearances, illegal searches, and discriminatory dismissals of public servants.

The coalition, comprising organizations such as Transparency International Georgia, Social Justice Center, and the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information, have called for immediate investigations and accountability for the alleged violations.