Restriction of Freedom of Assembly and Expression→Forced Change of Location, Time or Form of Protest
Police Restricted Protesters from Expressing Support with Flags near the Ukrainian Embassy
A solidarity rally marking Ukraine’s Independence Day was held near the Ukrainian Embassy. Participants wanted to unfurl the Georgian and Ukrainian flags; however, due to the size of the flags, fully unfolding them required stepping onto the roadway
Intimidation, Threats and Discreditation→Public Discrediting or Stigmatization of Activists
Another Discrediting Card against Non-Governmental Organizations Was Disseminated on a Facebook Page Affiliated with Georgian Dream
A card was disseminated on a Facebook page affiliated with Georgian Dream, in which non-governmental organizations are again referred to as “foreign-funded NGOs.” The card uses a statement by Amiran Salukvadze, in which he refers to representatives of the organizations as “hired patriots” and calls on citizens to join his Telegram channel.
Intimidation, Threats and Discreditation→Public Discrediting or Stigmatization of Activists
Pro-Government Media Disseminated Discrediting Cards with Identical Content against NGOs
On 21 August, pro-government media outlets, including POSTV, Rustavi 2 and Imedi, disseminated cards with identical content targeting non-governmental organizations and their representatives.
Court of Appeals Dismissed Activist Zurab Menteshashvili’s Appeal
According to Jano Chkadua, the lawyer of Zurab Menteshashvili, who had been found guilty over repeated blocking of a road, the Court of Appeals delivered its decision in Zurab Menteshashvili’s case without an oral hearing and dismissed the defence’s appeal.
Tornike Toshkhua Detained Again near the City Assembly over a Banner
On 31 July, civil activist Tornike Toshkhua was detained near the Tbilisi City Assembly building. He was holding a sheet of paper reading: “Is Bidzina not a d***/is he?”
Detention→Administrative Detention · Financial Sanctions→Use of Fines, Sanctions or Administrative Leverage for the Purpose of Economic Pressure
In Cases of Persons Detained near the City Assembly on 26 July, Four Remained in Detention and Five Were Fined
On 28 July, late at night, the court concluded the hearings in the cases of 10 persons detained near the Tbilisi City Assembly on 26 July. The cases were heard by Judges Zviad Tsekvava and Tornike Kapanadze.
Court | Court Marshal Service | Ministry of Interior
Persecution Due to Civil Activism
Incident Type:
Physical Violence and Ill-treatment→Excessive Use of Force During Arrest, Transportation or Dispersal of Protest
Supporters of Persons Detained on 26 July Forced to Leave Court Building
Human rights defender Marika Arevadze stated that an officer of the Court Bailiff Service used force against her at Tbilisi City Court. According to her, the bailiff pushed her and forced her to leave the court building.
Indirect Pressure ("Chilling Effect") · Restriction of Freedom of Assembly and Expression
MMA Fighter Establishes Movement “to Protect Georgian Values, Principles, and Traditions”
MMA fighter Giorgi Kartvelishvili, together with like-minded individuals, has established a new movement “to protect sacred values.” According to him, the movement will have an “immediate response” to the “insult of sacred values, ancestors, religion, and history.”
Ten Citizens Detained near Tbilisi City Assembly over a Banner
On 26 July, police detained activist Tornike Toshkhua near the Tbilisi City Assembly building. The reason for the detention was the protest banner displayed by him, which read: “Is Bidzina a d***? Yes - No.” Footage of Toshkhua’s detention shows several police officers approaching him as he stands near the City Assembly, after which they place him in a police vehicle and take him away.
