Public defender condemns police brutality during Tbilisi protest

Georgia’s Public Defender, Levan Ioseliani, has responded to reports of excessive force used by police during the protest on Aghmashenebeli Highway in Tbilisi.

In a statement, Ioseliani described the incidents as alarming, citing video footage showing police violence against citizens, journalists, and politicians. Reports also emerged about police officers injuring a cameraman from TV Pirveli and verbally abusing women, including female politicians, during the protest.

The Public Defender strongly condemned all illegal actions by law enforcement, especially cases of ill-treatment and excessive force, and vowed to take legal action on each case.

He urged the Special Investigative Service to immediately launch an investigation and hold those responsible accountable under criminal law. Additionally, he called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ General Inspection to conduct an internal review of officers involved in verbal abuse and unethical behavior.

Representatives of the Public Defender’s Office plan to visit all detained individuals, including politicians, and provide further updates to the public.

To report human rights violations, the Public Defender’s hotline (1481) operates 24/7.

Earlier today, police used force to detain dozens of protesters, including political figures, and were seen physically assaulting demonstrators.