Suppression of Protest

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.”

“If necessary, we will even go to prison,” Kartvelishvili stated during the presentation of the movement.

According to Kartvelishvili, Georgian identity, traditions, values, religion, and culture have become the target of a “coordinated attack,” the authors of which he identified as “groups funded from outside the country,” politicians, activists, media representatives, and persons affiliated with them. He stated that the movement is beginning a fight against people and groups “submissive to externally funded foreign interests” and carrying a “perverted ideology.”

In recent days, Giorgi Kartvelishvili has appeared in pro-government media in a context supportive of the person accused of attacking Onise Okriashvili. Pro-government channels referred to him as a friend of the person accused of the attack, and his positions were used in defence of the accused. Activists also accuse Kartvelishvili of mobilizing so-called titushky. On social media, he frequently publishes photos taken with Georgian Dream leaders.

Georgian Dream member Archil Gorduladze welcomed the initiative and stated: “It is good when people have a desire to defend and raise their voices against targeted actions directed against the country’s culture, faith, people’s rights, and history.” According to him, “of course, all of this must happen in compliance with the law and within the full legal framework.”

Georgian Dream member Nino Tsilosani also commented on the establishment of the movement, describing it as a “natural reaction” by part of society. Tsilosani called on citizens to exercise restraint and avoid statements that infringe on human dignity, noting that the movement has announced an “immediate response.”

The establishment of the movement comes against the backdrop of a discrediting campaign carried out by pro-government media against Onise Okriashvili over several days, after which he was attacked near his home. Even after the attack, the same media outlets continued circulating Okriashvili’s videos out of context, while at the same time disseminating materials supportive of the person accused of the attack.

In this context, the movement established in the name of “protecting sacred values” and the messages surrounding it reinforce the impression that the political and media environment linked to the authorities facilitates the mobilization of public aggression against critical voices and the dissemination of narratives justifying violence.

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.

Following Toshkhua’s detention, citizens soon gathered near the City Assembly building in solidarity with him and displayed banners with the same wording. Police then began detaining them as well. According to reports, nine additional citizens were detained, including Ia Melitauri, Lasha Dgebuadze, Mariam Mekantsishvili, Vaso Beridze, Sandro Sekhniashvili, Marine Nanava, Shako Baghdoshvili, Tornike Tikaridze, and Nato Bolkvadze. A video circulated on social media shows senior police official Davit Mamageishvili slapping Ilia State University student Sandro Sekhniashvili in the face during the detention.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs later issued an official statement. According to the Ministry, a total of ten persons were detained in the vicinity of the Tbilisi City Assembly. The Ministry stated that they were holding “insulting banners in a public space,” making insulting statements, disturbing public order, and resisting law enforcement officers. They were detained under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, which concern petty hooliganism and disobedience to a lawful order of a law enforcement officer.

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association issued a statement and called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to immediately release the detained persons. According to the organization, Tornike Toshkhua and the citizens who came to support him were detained while exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and political expression. GYLA stated that the circulated footage does not show any violence or disturbance of public order by the demonstrators that would justify their detention or the use of force by police. According to the organization, a senior police official slapping a demonstrator in the face reaches the threshold of inhuman or degrading treatment and may bear signs of the offence envisaged under Article 161 of the Criminal Code.

Tornike Toshkhua had previously been detained on 16 August 2025, together with Mindia Shervashidze. They were accused of group violence against Georgian Dream supporter Beka Gotsiridze. The court sentenced both of them to one year of imprisonment. Toshkhua spent approximately one year in detention.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – October 2025

Context

The incidents documented in October 2025 indicate a further intensification of repressive practices related to protest activities. Within the framework of the present monitoring, 18 documented incidents demonstrate that both administrative and criminal prosecution of protest participants actively continued throughout the month. Courts imposed administrative detention on numerous individuals, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs launched mass detentions on the grounds of road obstruction and covering one’s face.

During the same period, Georgian Dream adopted legislative amendments that significantly tightened restrictions related to the freedoms of assembly and expression. In parallel, a case of a physical attack against activists was also documented.

Incidents

On 1 October 2025, Judge Nana Shamatava of the Tbilisi City Court granted the Prosecutor’s Office’s motion and imposed pre-trial detention as a preventive measure on Gela Khasaia, an activist of the Coalition for Change. Khasaia was charged under Article 118(2) of the Criminal Code (intentional less serious bodily injury committed by a group), which provides for a prison sentence of between four and six years.

The activist had been arrested by representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on 29 September. According to his lawyer, the case concerns a conflict that occurred on 1 September near Station Square, involving individuals unknown to Gela Khasaia, which he merely witnessed. Lawyer Omar Purtseladze stated that while Khasaia was held at the police station, he was subjected to verbal abuse and psychological pressure. According to Purtseladze, one police officer reminded Khasaia of an earlier incident in which the officer had promised that Khasaia would be “arrested under criminal law.”

On 3 October 2025, students who had gathered on Metekhi Bridge to make a public statement were attacked by unidentified individuals and physically assaulted. Igor Narmania, Chairperson of the United National Movement’s Youth Organisation, was injured. The attackers also physically assaulted a minor activist, who was reportedly struck on the head with a piece of metal.

On 9 October 2025, Judge Giorgi Gelashvili of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced poet Zviad Ratiani to two years’ imprisonment. The Prosecutor’s Office had charged the poet under Article 353¹ of the Criminal Code for attacking a police officer; however, the judge reclassified the charge under Article 353(1) of the Criminal Code, which criminalises resistance against a police officer with the purpose of obstructing, terminating, or altering the officer’s activities in maintaining public order. Zviad Ratiani had been arrested on 23 June 2025 after slapping police officer Teimuraz Meshvelashvili outside the Parliament building in Tbilisi.

On 16 October 2025, Georgian Dream adopted, at third reading, amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offences that restrict the forms of protest available to demonstrators. Under the expedited legislative package, a new paragraph 10 was added to Article 174¹ of the Code of Administrative Offences, introducing mandatory administrative detention for participants in assemblies or demonstrations who commit any of the following acts:

covering one’s face with a mask or by any other means;
possessing tear gas, nerve agents and/or poisonous substances;
intentionally creating obstacles to the movement of people or vehicles;
erecting temporary structures where such structures obstruct police efforts to maintain public order and safety;
partially or fully blocking the carriageway where, considering the number of participants, the assembly could otherwise be conducted without doing so.

Violation of these provisions is punishable by:

administrative detention for up to 15 days;
where the offender is an organiser, administrative detention for up to 20 days.

The amendments also introduced mandatory administrative detention of up to 60 days where participants:

possess firearms, explosives, flammable materials, radioactive substances, cold weapons, or pyrotechnic items;
possess objects or substances that are used or could be used to cause harm to the life or health of participants or other persons;
participate in an assembly or demonstration that has been terminated upon the request of the Ministry of Internal Affairs under Article 13(1) of the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations.

The amendments to the Criminal Code further provide that repeated commission of the above-mentioned acts within one year will constitute a criminal offence punishable by:

imprisonment for up to one year;
imprisonment for up to two years if committed repeatedly;
for minors, a fine, corrective labour, or imprisonment for up to one year;
where committed by an organiser and resulting in serious consequences, imprisonment for up to four years.

The amendments further provide that a third violation of Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences (failure to comply with or insulting a police officer) constitutes a criminal offence punishable by:

imprisonment for up to one year for a third offence;
imprisonment for up to two years if committed repeatedly;
for minors, a fine, corrective labour, or imprisonment for up to one year.

On 16 October 2025, Georgian Dream, under the expedited procedure, adopted at third reading a legislative package providing for restrictions on the right of certain individuals to engage in party activities, hold political office, and participate in elections. Under the legislative package, upon the request of the claimant in proceedings before the Constitutional Court, the Constitutional Court may prohibit a person affiliated with a banned political party from:

establishing a political party;
membership in a political party;
membership in the governing body of a political party;
holding a party position;
standing as a candidate in elections (passive electoral right);
acquiring the mandate of an elected representative or elected public official;
holding political office;
heading a constitutional body.

Where requested by the claimant, granting the constitutional claim will also result in:

termination of the mandate of a Member of Parliament elected through the nomination of the banned political party;
termination of the mandate of a member of another representative body;
removal of a person from a party list.

Registration shall be refused to any political party whose electoral list includes a person prohibited from engaging in party activities or holding political office. A political party that includes such a person on its list shall be subject to a fine.

Likewise, it will be prohibited to include such persons on party lists for parliamentary or local self-government elections. The Central Election Commission will refuse to register such parties for either parliamentary or local elections.

On 17 October 2025, Judge Davit Mamiseishvili of the Tbilisi Court of Appeal reclassified the charge against Giorgi Kuchuashvili from assault on a police officer under Article 353¹ of the Criminal Code to resistance to a police officer under Article 353 of the Criminal Code and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment. Kuchuashvili had been arrested during protests against the so-called “Russian Law” in May 2024. On 4 February 2025, he had been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment. Following the appellate judgment reducing his sentence to two years, he was released from prison on 26 May.

On 19 October 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs administratively detained 12 participants in the protest held on Rustaveli Avenue on 18 October. Those detained were: Lara Nachkebia, Nino Svanidze, Levan Margiani, Giorgi Qiasashvili, Davit Gogichaishvili, Saba Khomeriki, Levan Jobava, Tornike Tkhilava, Gela Gamqrelidze, Vakhtang Machavariani, Lasha Chkhartishvili, and Mamuka Kupreishvili. The wave of detentions followed the legislative amendments adopted by Georgian Dream on 16 October to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offences, which significantly restricted the forms of protest available to citizens.

Proceedings concerning the 12 detainees were held before the Tbilisi City Court on 20 October. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused some of the detainees of “artificially blocking the roadway,” while others were charged with covering their faces during the protest.

Seven of the twelve detainees were sentenced to administrative detention:

activist Lara Nachkebia – 4 days (covering the face with a mask);
activist Nino Svanidze – 5 days (blocking the roadway);
painter Levan Margiani – 6 days (blocking the roadway);
activist Giorgi Qiasashvili – 6 days (blocking the roadway);
activist Davit Gogichaishvili – 6 days (covering the face with a mask);
activist Saba Khomeriki – 8 days (blocking the roadway);
activist Levan Jobava – 14 days (blocking the roadway).

On 20 October 2025, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained four participants in the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue: Nino Beruashvili, Saba Japaridze, Tamar Totladze, and Temo Saralidze. Proceedings concerning the detainees were held before the Tbilisi City Court on the same day. The Ministry accused two of them of artificially blocking the roadway and the other two of covering their faces during the protest.

The court imposed administrative detention on all four detainees:

activist Nino Beruashvili – 4 days (blocking the roadway);
actor Saba Japaridze – 6 days (covering the face during the protest);
activist Tamar Totladze – 6 days (blocking the roadway);
activist Temo Saralidze – 6 days (covering the face during the protest).

On 21 October 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs began detaining participants in the Rustaveli Avenue protest from the early morning. During the day, law enforcement officers detained five additional activists: Beka Kurkhuli, Kakha Mikaia, Konstantine Mikaia, Boris Kutsia, and Imeda Kldiashvili. All of them were accused either of covering their faces during the protest or of “artificially blocking the roadway.” The Tbilisi City Court imposed administrative detention on all five activists for violating the newly introduced protest-related regulations.

Specifically:

Beka Kurkhuli – 8 days of administrative detention;
Kakha Mikaia – 14 days of administrative detention;
Konstantine Mikaia – 14 days of administrative detention;
Imeda Kldiashvili – 9 days of administrative detention.

On 22 October 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a statement. According to the Ministry, during the previous three days, after the new law restricting freedom of expression entered into force, police detained 53 individuals, more than 40 of whom had already been found to have committed administrative offences. Within the framework of the present monitoring, 22 cases were documented. In addition, between 19 and 21 October, the Ministry of Internal Affairs detained three journalists together with activists. Based on the data published by the Ministry, it was not possible to identify an additional 28 detained persons.

On 22 October 2025, during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, the Ministry of Internal Affairs administratively detained up to 20 citizens. The wave of detentions followed the amendments adopted by Georgian Dream on 16 October to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offences, which significantly restricted the forms of protest available to citizens. The Ministry of Internal Affairs began administrative detentions at the Rustaveli protest on 18 October on the grounds of unlawful blocking of the roadway and covering one’s face.

On 22 October 2025, 48-year-old Tamar Lortkipanidze was arrested during the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue for climbing onto a patrol police vehicle.

Footage circulated by citizens shows Tamar, together with several other protest participants, first sitting on the roadway, then standing up, spreading her arms, and attempting to stop the movement of vehicles. Approximately two minutes later, a patrol police vehicle appears in the footage from Freedom Square. Tamar then stands several metres in front of the police vehicle and spreads her arms. A few seconds later, she runs towards the patrol vehicle, climbs onto it, and stands on its roof. Shortly afterwards, Tamar Lortkipanidze climbs down from the vehicle on her own and again stands on the roadway with her arms spread. For this act, the Ministry of Internal Affairs initially accused her of an offence under Article 239 of the Criminal Code. However, on 24 October, the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia aggravated the charge and now accuses the activist of violence and attacking a police vehicle.

Tamar Lortkipanidze is charged with:

violence causing physical pain to the victim, under Article 126(1) of the Criminal Code of Georgia;
attacking a police vehicle in connection with the official activities of a police officer, an offence under Article 353¹(1) of the Criminal Code.

If convicted, she faces four to seven years’ imprisonment. As for the preventive measure, on 25 October Judge Nana Shamatava imposed pre-trial detention on Tamar Lortkipanidze.

On 22 October 2025, disability rights advocate Gia Jvarsheishvili was detained during the protest on Rustaveli Avenue. On 24 October, Judge Zviad Tsekvava of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced the detained activist to 10 days of administrative detention. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused him of petty hooliganism and failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer.

On 22 October 2025, during the protest on Rustaveli Avenue, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) administratively detained approximately 20 individuals. The wave of detentions followed the amendments to the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offences adopted by Georgian Dream on 16 October, which significantly restricted the forms of protest available to citizens. The MIA began administratively detaining participants in the Rustaveli Avenue protests on 18 October on the grounds of unlawfully blocking the roadway and covering their faces.

On 24 October 2025, police detained several activists for participating in the protest held on Rustaveli Avenue on 23 October and for blocking the avenue. Those detained included:

Bacho Kimutsadze – member of the Coalition for Change;
Natia Letodiani – member of the Droa party;
Davit Mshvenieradze – law student at Ilia State University (sentenced to 6 days of administrative detention);
Nino Laghidze – environmental education specialist;
Zura Tsetskhladze – father of prisoner of conscience Zviad Tsetskhladze;
Tengo Kirtadze – member of the Federalists party;
Anuka Gamsakhurdia – civil activist;
Dani Maghradze – civil activist;
Zviad Kvaratskhelia – writer, publisher, and television presenter;
Giorgi Liponava – film director and co-founder of Formula TV;
Achi Gochitashvili – student (sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention);
Vaso Beridze – student;
Natia Gogava – civil activist;
Natalia Slepakova – civil activist;
Davit Chkadua – winner of the second student season of the television programme Book Shelf;
Giorgi Melitauri (sentenced to 10 days of administrative detention).

On 29 October 2025, Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili of the Tbilisi City Court replaced the preventive measure imposed on teacher Nino Datashvili from pre-trial detention to bail in the amount of GEL 5,000. Datashvili had been charged under Article 353²(3) of the Criminal Code of Georgia (assault on a public official/court bailiff in the course of performing official duties). Following the decision, the teacher and activist was released from the penitentiary institution. She was given 30 days to pay the bail.

The Prosecutor’s Office announced its motion to replace the preventive measure only a few minutes before the hearing commenced. Datashvili’s lawyers had also requested the replacement of pre-trial detention, arguing that her health had deteriorated significantly while in detention and that she urgently required spinal and cervical surgery. Due to her deteriorating health condition, Datashvili was unable to attend the hearing in person and participated remotely.

On 29 October 2025, Judge Lela Tsagareishvili sentenced researcher Shalva Koghuashvili to six days of administrative detention. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused him of an administrative offence under Article 174¹ of the Code of Administrative Offences for artificially blocking the roadway during the protest on 27 October.

Between 27 and 31 October 2025, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 29 citizens were detained during protests on Rustaveli Avenue over a five-day period. The Ministry accused them of unlawfully blocking Rustaveli Avenue, conduct which, under the legislative package adopted at third reading on 16 October, is punishable by mandatory administrative detention without the possibility of a fine.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – October 2024

Context

The incidents documented in October 2024 indicate the continuation of pressure against individuals engaged in civic activism and the expression of critical opinions. During the reporting period, both physical attacks and the use of investigative and administrative mechanisms were documented, affecting researchers, representatives of civil society, and individuals affiliated with international organisations.

Particular attention during October was drawn to measures taken against researchers and representatives of analytical organisations, including searches and restrictions on access to bank accounts. A number of domestic and international actors assessed these measures as a form of pressure against civil society and critical research activities.

During the same period, the Constitutional Court’s decision not to suspend the operation of the so-called “Russian Law” further intensified concerns regarding its potential impact on civic space and the activities of independent organisations in the country.

Incidents

On 10 October 2024, the Plenum of the Constitutional Court of Georgia decided not to suspend the operation of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, commonly referred to as the “Russian Law,” pending the Court’s final judgment. Despite the applicants’ request, the Court did not grant the motion to suspend the contested provisions. However, it declared the constitutional complaints partially admissible for examination on the merits. The decision adopted by the Plenum of the Constitutional Court was published on the Court’s official website.

On 19 October 2024, Badri Oqujava, a researcher at SovLab, was attacked by a group of individuals at the intersection of Barnovi and Machavariani Streets. According to Oqujava, approximately ten individuals attacked him while he was on his way to work. Women were also among the perpetrators. The researcher believes that the attack was premeditated and politically motivated. According to his account, the attackers repeatedly struck him in the back and then poured paint over him.

Between 24 and 29 October 2024, investigators from the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance conducted searches at the homes of Eto Buziashvili and Sopho Gelava, two employees of the U.S.-based organisation the Atlantic Council. Computer equipment was seized from their homes. Investigators from the Financial Police Investigation Service also searched the residence of brothers Onise and Sandro Tskhadadze. According to members of Onise Tskhadadze’s family, investigators stated that the reason for the search was his employment with an international company.

On 29 October, pursuant to a court order, the bank accounts of Sopho Gelava and Eto Buziashvili were frozen. According to the Financial Police, the court authorised this measure within the framework of the so-called “call centre case.” As a result, both researchers working on Russian disinformation were denied access to their personal bank accounts. The U.S. Helsinki Commission also commented on the case, describing the freezing of the bank accounts as an attempt to exert pressure on Georgia’s civil society and the Atlantic Council.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – November 2025

Context

The incidents documented in November 2025 demonstrate the systematic practice of detentions and administrative imprisonment of individuals participating in protest demonstrations, particularly in relation to allegations of the “artificial blocking of the roadway” on Rustaveli Avenue. During the reporting period, numerous citizens were subjected to both short-term and multi-day administrative detention.

In addition, a case of criminal detention was documented, in which the Prosecutor’s Office accused a civil activist of repeatedly and artificially blocking the roadway, and the court imposed pre-trial detention as a preventive measure. During the same period, appellate proceedings in the cases of the so-called “prisoners of conscience” continued, with the Court of Appeal, in most instances, upholding the judgments delivered by the Tbilisi City Court.

November also saw incidents involving restrictions on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, when police prevented participants from continuing a protest march. At the same time, an incident of physical violence was documented, involving an attack against a participant in the pro-European protests.

Overall, the incidents documented in November confirm the continued active use of legal and administrative mechanisms against individuals involved in protest activities, as well as incidents of physical retaliation against civil activists.

Incidents

On 1 November 2025, Zurab Menteshashvili was detained under Article 347(1) of the Criminal Code. The Prosecutor’s Office accused him of repeatedly and artificially blocking the roadway during an ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue. On 3 November, Judge Lali Garshaulishvili of the Tbilisi City Court ordered his pre-trial detention as a preventive measure.

On 1 November 2025, former representative of the Euro-Atlantic Integration Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomat Giorgi Tsikariashvili, who had been detained on charges of blocking the roadway, was sentenced by Judge Tornike Kochqiani to 10 days of administrative detention.

On 1 November 2025, police began detaining participants in the protest taking place on Rustaveli Avenue. According to participants, Levan Butikashvili was detained opposite the Marriott Hotel.

On 4 November 2025, police detained participants in the Rustaveli protest near the Parliament building. Those detained included poet Paata Shamugia, Beka Agulashvili, Vazha Berishvili, Anuka Gamsakhurdia and Nikoloz Darsania. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused them of “artificially blocking” Rustaveli Avenue. Hearings concerning the activists detained on the grounds of “artificially blocking the roadway” on Rustaveli Avenue were held at the Tbilisi City Court on 5 November.

Poet Paata Shamugia was sentenced to five days of administrative detention.

Anuka Gamsakhurdia was sentenced to two days of administrative detention.

Nikoloz Darsania was sentenced to three days of administrative detention.

Seventy-year-old Vazha Berishvili was sentenced to one day of administrative detention. He was released from the temporary detention facility several hours later.

Beka Agulashvili was sentenced to five days of administrative detention.

On 5 November 2025, Rusiko Kobakhidze, a researcher of the Soviet past, educator and historian, was detained by police on charges of artificially blocking the roadway. Later that night, Judge Koba Chagunava of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced her to one day of administrative detention.

On 6 November 2025, during the protest held in front of the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue, police detained 15-year-old Andria Khamashuridze. Video footage circulated publicly shows police officers using force to place the minor into a police vehicle. He was subsequently released.

On 6 November 2025, Nugzar Kirtadze, a participant in the pro-European protests, stated that so-called “Titushky” ambushed him near his home and severely beat him. According to Kirtadze, at least two masked individuals were waiting for him in the entrance of his apartment building and struck him from behind. As a result of the injuries sustained, he reportedly lost consciousness for several minutes.

On 7 November 2025, civil activist Baia Margishvili, who had been sentenced by Judge Zviad Tsekvava to 14 days of administrative detention, was detained in the courtyard of the courthouse. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Margishvili of artificially blocking the roadway.

On 7 November 2025, Konstantine Mikaia was sentenced to one day of administrative detention. The decision was delivered by Judge Koba Chagunava. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused him of artificially blocking the roadway on 19 and 20 October.

On 12 November 2025, the Tbilisi Court of Appeal, in a decision delivered by Judge Giorgi Keratishvili, upheld the two-year prison sentence imposed on activist Saba Skhvitaridze, who had been detained during the pro-European protest movement.

Saba Skhvitaridze had been detained on the night of 5 December 2024 following a physical confrontation that took place at Freedom Square. The incident had been preceded by clashes between members of the public and unidentified individuals dressed in black, who had gathered near the Courtyard Marriott Hotel during a parallel opposition meeting.

The investigation was initially conducted under Article 353¹(2) of the Criminal Code, which concerns causing injury to the health of a police officer in the course of the performance of official duties. During the court proceedings, however, the Prosecutor’s Office reclassified the charges and accused Skhvitaridze under Article 120 of the Criminal Code. Ultimately, Judge Jvebe Nachkebia found the activist guilty under Article 120(1) (intentional infliction of minor bodily injury) and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment. This judgment was subsequently upheld by Judge Giorgi Keratishvili of the Tbilisi Court of Appeal.

On 13 November 2025, Judge Koba Chagunava sentenced Rusiko Kobakhidze, researcher of the Soviet past, educator and historian, to three days of administrative detention for a second time on the grounds of blocking the roadway under Article 174 of the Code of Administrative Offences.

On 15 November 2025, in Tbilisi, near Zandukeli Street, police blocked the route of protest participants and prevented them from continuing along the pedestrian walkway. Police officers had established a cordon at the scene. The participants intended to march to the Merab Kostava House Museum.

On 19 November 2025, during a solidarity march in support of prisoner of conscience Mate Devidze, police detained Ketevan Khuskivadze, a lecturer at Tbilisi State University and a translator. According to Goga Memanishvili, Head of the Tbilisi Patrol Police, Khuskivadze was administratively detained on charges of verbally insulting a police officer.

On 22 November 2025, police began detaining participants during a protest demonstration. Film director Giorgi Savaneli was detained on the grounds of alleged petty hooliganism. Also detained were Luka Chokhonelidze, Oto Iremadze, Davit Gunashvili, Mariam Meqantsvili, Tsotne Mirtskhulava and Sopho Markozia.

On 24 November, film director Giorgi Savaneli, who had been detained during the protest, was sentenced to five days of administrative detention. The decision was delivered by Judge Nino Enukidze.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – May 2025

Context

The incidents documented in May 2025 reflect the use of legal, administrative, and indirect mechanisms to exert pressure on civil activists. The documented cases involve administrative detention, the imposition of financial sanctions, and decisions targeting individual activists that affect their legal status and civil rights.

The reporting period is particularly notable for the use of financial sanctions, indicating the systematic nature of sanctioning practices. In addition, an incident of indirect pressure (chilling effect) against an activist was documented.

Furthermore, legislative developments affecting the functioning of civil society are of particular concern. During the reporting period, a law entered into force that further tightened the legal framework governing the activities of non-governmental organisations and the media, thereby contributing to the creation of an environment in which civic activism and freedom of expression are placed under severe pressure.

Incidents

On 1 May 2025, the Tbilisi City Court heard the case of Miranda Baghaturia and Ana Qurashvili, press officers of the opposition political parties Akhali and Girchi – More Freedom. A representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Tamta Kimbarishvili, requested that the activists be subjected to administrative detention. However, the court instead imposed GEL 4,000 fines on both Qurashvili and Baghaturia. They had been accused under Article 173(2) of the Code of Administrative Offences of insulting police officer Mirian Kavtaradze. It is noteworthy that on 1 June 2025, Tamta Kimbarishvili was appointed Head of the Hate Speech Monitoring Division of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

On 5 May 2025, three activist women – Nutsa Makharadze, Keti Jananashvili, and their friend were reportedly attacked near a residential building. According to Makharadze, the attackers ambushed them as they exited an elevator and sprayed pepper spray and green dye into their faces before fleeing the scene. Makharadze later stated that, despite the existence of potential evidence, including the bottle allegedly used in the attack, she had not been informed of meaningful investigative progress.

On 19 May 2025, Lasha Gabitashvili, a participant in the pro-European protests who became publicly known following an incident involving members of the ruling Georgian Dream party in Abu Dhabi, was deprived of Georgian citizenship. The stated reason was his acquisition of dual citizenship. Gabitashvili obtained an Israeli passport following his marriage and applied to the Ministry of Justice in February 2025 to retain his Georgian citizenship. According to legal experts, there were no legal grounds for revoking Gabitashvili’s citizenship, and he could have retained Georgian citizenship while simultaneously holding the citizenship of another state.

On 26 May 2025, political activist Luka Natsvlishvili was detained by police following the conclusion of a protest held in Batumi on 26 May. The Batumi City Court sentenced the activist to 12 days of administrative detention. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Natsvlishvili of petty hooliganism and failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer.

On 30 May 2025, Judge Nino Enukidze of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Tornike Skhvitaridze to five days of administrative detention and imposed a GEL 5,000 fine on Ani Kavtaradze. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Ani Kavtaradze, a member of the Akhali party, and Tornike Skhvitaridze, the brother of imprisoned activist Saba Skhvitaridze, of insulting police officer Mirian Kavtaradze in a courthouse corridor on 17 April. On that day, Mirian Kavtaradze testified as a witness in the criminal proceedings against detained activist and Akhali party member Saba Skhvitaridze. During the testimony, Tornike Skhvitaridze was inside the courtroom, while Ani Kavtaradze remained outside. After the police officer’s testimony concluded, supporters of Saba Skhvitaridze formed a so-called “corridor of shame” for Mirian Kavtaradze.

Also on 30 May 2025, Judge Manuchar Tsatsua of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced activists Tatia Apriamashvili and Lika Lortkipanidze to 12 days of administrative detention each, while Magda Mamukashvili was fined GEL 4,000. The decision related to an incident that occurred on 17 May at a café, where the activists protested against Georgian Dream Member of Parliament Mariam Lashkhi by chanting: “Freedom for the regime’s prisoners,” “No to the Russian regime,” and “Down with Russia’s slaves.”

As of 31 May 2025, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, adopted by Georgian Dream on 1 April and commonly referred to as the “Georgian FARA,” entered into force. The Anti-Corruption Bureau is responsible for enforcing the law. Unlike the United States Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the Georgian law specifically targets Georgian non-governmental organisations and media outlets. The law requires registration, disclosure of relevant documentation, and the submission of annual financial declarations. Failure to comply, or improper compliance, with these obligations is punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine for natural persons, and by a fine for legal entities.

It is noteworthy that the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has already lodged a constitutional complaint with the Constitutional Court of Georgia seeking the suspension of the Georgian FARA law. The co-applicants are the media organisations Studio Monitor and Georgia’s Ambebi. The constitutional complaint was filed on 15 May 2025.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – May 2024

Context

The monitoring conducted in May 2024 demonstrated a significant escalation in human rights violations committed against civil activists in Georgia. This period coincided with the reintroduction of the so-called “Russian Law,” which triggered large-scale, continuous, and intensive protest demonstrations across various cities of the country, particularly in Tbilisi.

During the reporting period, numerous incidents were documented, including administrative and criminal detentions, serious incidents of violence, restrictions on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, intimidation, and the imposition of financial sanctions. A significant number of these incidents occurred in connection with peaceful assemblies and protest demonstrations involving law enforcement authorities or persons associated with them, indicating a pattern of restricting civic space and suppressing critical civic activism by the State.

Incidents

On 1 May 2024, the Special Tasks Department dispersed a protest against the so-called “Russian Law” on Rustaveli Avenue. During the dispersal, special forces used pepper spray, tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons. Numerous individuals were injured. Among them was 25-year-old Nika Demurishvili, who was reportedly struck by a rubber bullet and sustained facial injuries. Konstantine Chakhunashvili was also reportedly hit by a rubber bullet, which struck him in the arm and thigh. By 01:30 a.m. on 2 May, eight citizens had been hospitalised.

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) issued a public statement calling on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to cease unlawful, violent practices incompatible with the protection of human rights and respectful of human dignity.

On 1 May 2024, during a protest against the so-called “Russian Law” in Zugdidi, Maia Kalandia, Chair of the Akhalifaction in the Zugdidi Municipal Council, and Mariam Sichinava, Head of the Zugdidi branch of the political movement Droa, were detained.

On 3 May 2024, citizens held a protest at the Paragraph Hotel in Tbilisi, where a reception for the President of the Asian Development Bank was taking place. The situation escalated several times during the protest, and police detained one citizen.

On 3 May 2024, teacher and activist Lado Apkhazava was ambushed outside his home and physically assaulted with wooden batons while he was with his child.

On 3 May 2024, protesters gathered near the Tbilisi Circus were attacked, and several individuals were physically assaulted. Five citizens sustained injuries.

On 7 May 2024, unidentified individuals attacked and physically assaulted Giorgi Kldiashvili, Executive Director of the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI), while he was giving an interview near the Embassy of Sweden.

On 8 May 2024, unidentified individuals ambushed Gia Japaridze, a researcher at the Chavchavadze Centre, outside his home and physically assaulted him. According to the available information, the attack was carried out by more than two individuals, who were reportedly armed with wooden baseball bats.

On 8 May 2024, Nestan Ananidze, a citizen opposing the so-called “Russian Law,” was instructed by police to leave Victory Park in Tbilisi while exercising. According to Ananidze, the reason was the T-shirt she was wearing bearing the inscription “No to the Russian Law.” Events dedicated to Victory Day over Fascism were taking place in the park, attended by senior officials of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

On 8 May 2024, Giorgi Shanidze, a volunteer fighter on the Ukrainian side, was arrested on suspicion of damaging a surveillance camera during a protest against the so-called “Russian Law.” Police detained him near his residence.

On 9 May 2024, police arrested civil activist and military blogger Ucha Abashidze at his home.

On 9 May 2024, during a protest against the so-called “Russian Law” on Chavchavadze Avenue, law enforcement officers began forcibly detaining peaceful demonstrators. According to TV Pirveli, at least five individuals were detained.

On 9 May 2024, police arrested Fridon Bubuteishvili on charges of damaging the Parliament gate (Article 187(1) of the Criminal Code) and throwing a stone at a firefighter-rescuer (Article 353¹ of the Criminal Code). On the same day, protest participant Irakli Meghvinetukhutsesi was also arrested on charges of assaulting a police officer under Article 353¹(1) of the Criminal Code.

On 9 May 2024, Giorgi Mumladze, a member of the United National Movement, was physically assaulted by four individuals. He was severely beaten and his mobile phone was taken. The attack occurred in Marneuli in the presence of his minor child.

On 9 May 2024, motorcyclists who had actively opposed the so-called “Russian Law” found their motorcycles damaged in the morning.

On 10 May 2024, police arrested Mariam Iashvili, civil activist and wife of Ucha Abashidze, under criminal procedure.

On 10 May 2024, police detained 11 individuals during a protest against the so-called “Russian Law” on Chavchavadze Avenue. Five of those detained were released shortly afterwards on the basis of a written undertaking. Protesters reported that police used force during the arrests.

On 10 May 2024, film director Levan Abdushelishvili was detained during a march on Chavchavadze Avenueprotesting the so-called “Russian Law.” According to Abdushelishvili, police subjected him to physical violence during the arrest, after which he had to be transferred to Ingorokva Clinic for medical treatment.

On 10 May 2024, unidentified individuals damaged the vehicle of videographer Giorgi Jobava, which he intended to use to provide coffee and tea to participants of the protest.

On 10 May 2024, Beka Beridze, a member of the youth organisation of Lelo, was ambushed. According to Beridze, members of his family noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near their home and warned him not to return.

On 10 May 2024, Sandro Kinkladze, a participant in the protests against the so-called “Russian Law,” reported that unknown individuals were lying in wait outside his home. He also published on social media a photograph of the vehicle that he claimed had been waiting for him.

On 10 May 2024, Giorgi Mosiashvili, an employee of Girchi TV, was taken in for questioning. According to Zurab (Girchi) Japaridze, the questioning was likely connected to the publication by Imedi TV and POSTV of a manipulated recording of a years-old conversation the previous day.

On 11 May 2024, police approached Nodar Turashvili, a chef who had participated in protests against the so-called “Russian Law,” at approximately 6:00 p.m. and took him to an undisclosed location. Turashvili later stated on Facebook that he had been taken to the Ortachala temporary detention facility for questioning in relation to an alleged theft. He linked the incident to his civic activism.

On 11 May 2024, activists opposing the so-called “Russian Law” were subjected to overnight surveillance and intimidation. Members of the civic movement Dapioni—Zviad Tsetskhladze, Luka Natsvlishvili, and poet Rati Amaghlobeli—became targets of so-called “titushky.” Masked men appeared outside the activists’ homes, verbally abused them, and threatened them with physical violence. Individuals believed to be the perpetrators also waited outside the home of Rati Amaghlobeli.

On 12 May 2024, the court ordered pre-trial detention as a preventive measure for Fridon Bubuteishvili, Irakli Meghvinetukhutsesi, and Giorgi Shanidze.

On 12 May 2024, police arrested Giorgi Kuchuashvili and Davit Koldari. On the same day, the court imposed pre-trial detention on both individuals as a preventive measure.

On 12 May 2024, the court also imposed pre-trial detention on blogger Ucha Abashidze and his wife Mariam Iashvilias a preventive measure.

On 13 May 2024, the Special Tasks Department dispersed the protest against the so-called “Russian Law.” At the same time, numerous media outlets circulated footage showing members of the special forces using violence against protesters.

During the protest outside Parliament against the so-called “Russian Law,” 23 individuals were detained. According to the Public Defender (Ombudsman), 22 of the 23 detainees reported having been subjected to physical violence by police officers. Those detained included civil activists Guram Adamia, Malkhaz Gorgidze, Irakli Zarkua, Patrick Hernandez, Brian Jay Bingham, Guka Rcheulishvili, Giorgi Kemularia, Lasha Kemularia, Revi Qurashvili, Zura Khomeriki, and Kakha Kvekveskiri.

Police officers also physically assaulted Nadim Khmaladze, a veteran of the war in Ukraine, during the protest. He was detained, beaten, and subsequently released.

On 14 May 2024, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, commonly referred to by the public as the “Russian Law,” at its third reading. Of the 116 Members of Parliament who participated in the vote, 84 voted in favour of the bill.

The law requires non-governmental organisations and media outlets receiving foreign funding to register in a special registry as organisations “pursuing the interests of a foreign power.” According to critics, this terminology creates a risk of stigmatisation and restricts the activities of civil society.

The adoption of the law was preceded by several weeks of large-scale demonstrations in Tbilisi and other cities. Demonstrators argued that the initiative posed a threat to the country’s democratic development and European integration. Georgia’s international partners, including representatives of the European Union and the United States, likewise stated that legislation of this nature is incompatible with European democratic standards and could negatively affect Georgia’s European integration process.

Civil society organisations and human rights defenders frequently drew parallels with similar legislation in Russia, where, following its adoption, the activities of independent media and civil society organisations were significantly restricted. According to their assessment, the Russian legislation had been progressively tightened over the years and eventually expanded to apply not only to organisations but also to individual persons.

On 14 May 2024, civil activist Lazare Grigoriadis was detained during a protest against the so-called “Russian Law.”

On 14 May 2024, during a protest against the so-called “Russian Law” at Heroes’ Square, at least three individualswere detained, according to TV Pirveli. One of those detained, Konstantine Tokhadze, was later released.

On 14 May 2024, Giorgi Okmelashvili, founder of the company Limoni and a participant in the protests, was arrested on charges of assaulting a police officer under Article 353¹(1) of the Criminal Code.

On 14 May 2024, during a protest against the so-called “Russian Law,” dozens of members of the Special Tasks Department forcibly dragged activist Davit Katsarava into a police cordon and repeatedly kicked and beat him. Katsarava was detained; however, due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to hospital, where he underwent surgery.

On 15 May 2024, late at night during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, participants noticed a vehicle from which individuals armed with wooden batons emerged. The unidentified individuals fled the scene after young protesters gathered and began recording them.

On 15 May 2024, Irakli Miladze, a university student who had organised a meeting at the Caucasus International University against the so-called “Russian Law,” was attacked. According to Miladze, members of an aggressive group, who were also members of the university’s student self-government, ambushed him after the meeting, physically assaulted him, and verbally abused him.

On 16 May 2024, 19-year-old Omar Okribelashvili and 23-year-old Saba Meparishvili were arrested in connection with alleged damage to a temporary barrier valued at GEL 400 during a protest outside Parliament against the so-called “Russian Law.” They were charged under Article 187(2)(g) of the Criminal Code.

On 16 May 2024, Zuka Chakvetadze, who had been detained during the protest against the so-called “Russian Law,”stated that law enforcement officers physically assaulted him not only outside Parliament during his arrest but also afterwards inside the police vehicle. According to Chakvetadze, he was beaten by at least ten law enforcement officers.

On 20 May 2024, the Tbilisi City Court heard the cases of 54 activists, whom the Ministry of Internal Affairs accused of blocking the roadway during protests against the so-called “Russian Law.”

On 21 May 2024, the Tbilisi City Court fined Zviad Dalakishvili, an activist opposing the so-called “Russian Law,”GEL 2,300. Dalakishvili had previously been abducted by special forces officers and severely beaten. The court also fined activist Tornike Ketelauri GEL 2,200.

On 24 May 2024, Judge Nino Enukidze fined six activists GEL 500 each. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused them of blocking the roadway during a protest against the so-called “Russian Law.”

On 30 May 2024, the court fined university applicant Saba Papashvili GEL 500 for participating in a protest against the so-called “Russian Law.” The investigation accused him of blocking the roadway.

Also on 30 May 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs brought administrative offence proceedings before the Tbilisi City Court against actress Anano Makharadze, accusing her of blocking the roadway during a protest against the so-called “Russian Law.”

On 31 May 2024, civil activist Vitali Guguchia and members of his family were physically assaulted by employees of POSTV, a television channel controlled by Georgian Dream. The confrontation began after civil activists had travelled to a village in the Samegrelo region, where a POSTV crew also arrived. Guguchia was physically assaulted by a POSTV camera operator, who also attacked members of his family. Following the incident, the Special Investigation Serviceinitiated an investigation into the actions of the POSTV crew for interfering with journalistic activities.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – January 2025

The incidents documented in January 2025 indicate the use of diverse and intensive forms of pressure against civil activists. These incidents include administrative and criminal prosecution, physical violence, restrictions on freedom of expression, financial sanctions, and alleged politically motivated discrimination in professional activities.

During the reporting period, particularly notable were the mass detentions related to protest demonstrations in Tbilisi and Batumi, as well as judicial decisions concerning activists and the so-called “prisoners of conscience.” At the same time, multiple cases were documented in which individuals linked their dismissal from public employment to their civic position and participation in protests, creating a chilling effect on the exercise of freedom of expression. Cases of physical violence and ill-treatment against activists were also documented, both within Georgia and abroad. Overall, the events of January reflect an environment in which legal, administrative and coercive mechanisms are employed in parallel against civil society.

Incidents

5 January 2025

Several public employees were dismissed from their positions. The Chairperson of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Giorgi Kalandarishvili, dismissed CEC employee Vako Maisuradze on the grounds of institutional reorganization. Maisuradze links his dismissal to his public condemnation of violence committed by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Pavle Gakharia, an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Public Safety Management Centre 112, also stated that he was dismissed because of his participation in protest demonstrations. According to Gakharia, his employment contract was terminated without any justification.

8 January 2025

Gela Megrelidze, a German citizen who participated in protests against the so-called “Russian Law”, was denied the right of residence in Georgia and was found administratively liable for an offence committed during a protest.

Megrelidze, who returned to Georgia after 20 years abroad, applied for a residence permit. His application was rejected on the grounds that he allegedly posed a threat to the country. An official document issued to photographer Gela Megrelidze stated that his presence in Georgia was “incompatible with the interests of the State.”

10 January 2025

Judge Ketevan Jachvadze examined the cases of 11 prisoners of conscience—Andro Chichinadze, Jano Archaia, Guram Mirtskhulava, Onise Tskhadadze, Ruslan Sivakov, Luka Jabuia, Sergei Kukharchuk, Giorgi Terishvili, Irakli Kherashvili, Revaz Kiknadze and Valeri Tetriashvili—and ordered that they remain in pre-trial detention. The Prosecutor’s Office charged the eleven participants in the pro-European protest demonstrations with participation in group violence.

11 January 2025

Judge Irakli Khuskivadze examined the cases of eight prisoners of conscience—Vephkhia Kasradze, Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vasil Kadelashvili, Giorgi Giorgadze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliyev, Tornike Goshadze and Nikoloz Javakhishvili—and ordered that they remain in pre-trial detention.

The Prosecutor’s Office charged three defendants—Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vephkhia Kasradze and Vasil Kadelashvili—with organising and leading group violence, an offence punishable by six to nine years’ imprisonment. The remaining five defendants—Irakli Miminoshvili, Insaf Aliyev, Tornike Goshadze, Nikoloz Javakhishvili and Giorgi Giorgadze—were charged with participation in group violence, which carries a sentence of four to six years’ imprisonment.

11 January 2025

During a pro-European protest near Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, protest participant and disability rights advocate Gia Jvarsheishvili was detained.

According to a briefing by Eka Gigauri, Executive Director of Transparency International Georgia, and Nino Lomjaria, head of the organisation Georgia’s European Orbit, multiple rights were allegedly violated during Jvarsheishvili’s detention. He was reportedly subjected to both verbal and physical abuse.

12 January 2025

A large-scale protest entitled “Unfair Court” was held outside the Babilo restaurant on Beliashvili Street in Tbilisi. The demonstration was prompted by information circulated on social media and protest groups indicating that representatives of the judiciary, including leading judges associated with the so-called “judicial clan”, were holding a New Year’s corporate gathering at the restaurant.

The protest was fuelled by public outrage over the fact that, amid the country’s ongoing political crisis, mass demonstrations and the detention of protesters, judges were attending a festive dinner. The demonstration began in the afternoon, after which a large number of police officers and special forces units, including water cannon vehicles, were deployed to the scene. Law enforcement officers completely cordoned off the perimeter of the restaurant to prevent protesters from approaching those inside.

Police officers on the scene prevented members of the media from filming individuals leaving the restaurant. While the judges’ gathering was taking place, the protest continued throughout the day.

Police administratively detained nine individuals. They were charged under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, namely petty hooliganism and failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer. Notably, all detainees alleged that disproportionate force had been used against them during their detention.

The hearings concerning the detainees took place at Tbilisi City Court on 14 January. Eight activists were sentenced to terms of administrative detention by different judges.

Specifically:

Judge Lela Mildenberger sentenced Tite Gedenidze and Zviad Robakidze to 10 days of administrative detention, while Shako Maghradze was sentenced to 12 days of administrative detention.
Judge Zviad Tsekvava sentenced Daniel Bulkashvili to 14 days of administrative detention.
Judge Manuchar Tsatsua sentenced Zurab Manchkhashvili to 13 days of administrative detention, while Giorgi Chachanidze received 10 days of administrative detention.
Judge Koba Chagunava sentenced Beka Papashvili to 15 days of administrative detention.
Judge Nino Enukidze sentenced Kakha Japaridze to 10 days of administrative detention.

11–12 January 2025

During protest demonstrations held outside the Constitutional Court of Georgia and the Adjara Police Department in Batumi, police detained 13 activists.

On 11 January, detentions began outside Batumi City Court, where activist Tatia Abuladze was detained after attaching a protest poster. Later the same day, activist Tsiala Katamidze was detained outside the Adjara Police Department after displaying a poster of similar content.

Police subsequently detained Mate Tsenteradze, Goderdzi Prangishvili, Temur Katamadze, Lali Dgebuadze, Teo Beridze, Malkhaz Iremadze, and Nini Shavadze, who is a minor.

According to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), some of the detainees were charged with failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer.

On 12 January, police detained several additional activists during the protest outside the Constitutional Court in Batumi, including Elizbar Chkhikvadze, Luka Natsvlishvili, Shushana Matsaberidze, and Levan Khorava.

According to GYLA, the detainees were transferred to Poti following their detention.

13 January 2025

Members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Viktor Sanikidze and Irakli Zarkua, physically assaulted civil activist Lasha Gabitashvili in Dubai.

The incident followed Gabitashvili shouting “slave” and “traitor” at Georgian Dream Members of Parliament the previous day.

13 January 2025

Tbilisi City Hall employee Kristina Chubinidze was dismissed from her position.

The former public employee stated that she was dismissed because of her commitment to the Constitution and Georgia’s European values. According to her, although her employment relationship had been terminated on 31 December, she was informed of the dismissal only on 13 January.

Chubinidze was among the signatories of a public statement expressing support for Georgia’s European course

18 January 2025

During a protest held outside the Gldani-Nadzaladevi Police Department No. VII in Tbilisi, law enforcement officers detained several activists by use of force. Those detained included film director Guram Matskhonashvili, Sona Kalandadze, Mariam Paichadze, manager of the Haraki movement, Tamar Chumashvili, Roman Akopov, and Mariam Gilashvili. They were charged with wearing face coverings during a protest and with failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer.

Several of the activists administratively detained outside the Temka police station alleged that they had been subjected to physical and verbal abuse by police officers. According to their lawyer, police officers pulled Sona Kalandadze’s hair and verbally abused her while taking her into the police station. The lawyer further stated that Mariam Paichadze was also dragged by her hair during her detention. According to the same source, one alleged law enforcement officer dressed in civilian clothing mocked the detainees and humiliated them because of their participation in the protest.

According to Tamta Mikeladze, Executive Director of the Social Justice Center, Guram Matskhonashvili was struck on the back of the head while at the police station.

20 January 2025

Judge Nino Gudadze delivered the judgment in the case of prisoners of conscience Omar Okribelashvili and Saba Meparishvili.

The court sentenced both defendants to three years’ imprisonment, which was reduced to two and a half years under the amnesty law. Of this sentence, one year was suspended, while the remaining one year and six months is to be served in a penitentiary institution.

As Okribelashvili and Meparishvili have already spent eight months in detention, they are expected to remain in prison for approximately another ten months.

During the hearing held on 20 January, both defendants pleaded guilty to the charges against them. The Prosecutor’s Office accused them of acting jointly to damage a police barricade, causing damage assessed at GEL 400. According to prosecutor Nugzar Chitadze, the defendants had also compensated for the damage.

Omar Okribelashvili and Saba Meparishvili were originally detained by police during protests against the so-called “Foreign Agents Law.”

20 January 2025

Fridon Bubuteishvili, aged 20, who had been detained during protests against the so-called “Russian Law,” was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The judgment was delivered by Judge Zviad Sharadze. The Prosecutor’s Office accused Bubuteishvili of damaging the gate of the Parliament building, causing damage estimated at GEL 500. He was also charged with throwing stones at a firefighter-rescuer.

26 January 2025

Civil activist Vakho Pitskhelauri was abducted and physically assaulted in the Tsmindatskali settlement of Gori. According to the activist, he was attacked by at least three masked individuals while walking to a local shop. Pitskhelauri links the attack to his civic activities.

29 January 2025

Citizens held another protest outside the Government House of Adjara in Batumi against the policies of the ruling Georgian Dream party and brought tents to the site of the demonstration. During the protest, police restricted the participants’ freedom of expression by preventing the use of protest tents and confiscating the tents brought by demonstrators.

20 January 2025

Film director Guram Matskhonashvili was fined GEL 2,000 by the court.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs charged him under Articles 173 and 174 of the Code of Administrative Offences, relating to failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer and wearing a face covering during a protest.

Matskhonashvili had previously been detained by law enforcement officers during the protest outside the Glldani-Nadzaladevi Police Department No. VII together with several other activists.

27 January 2025

The Zugdidi District Court imposed a GEL 2,000 fine on Mariam Sichinava, a political activist of the Droa party, for wearing a face covering during a protest, under Article 174 of the Code of Administrative Offences.

30 January 2025

Nino Khazalashvili, an employee of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Destination Management Organisation, stated that she was dismissed from her position after reacting (“haha” reaction) to a social media post.

According to Khazalashvili, for several weeks she had expressed reactions to social media posts related to civic activism, and believes that these reactions were the reason for her dismissal.

Incidents documented against civil activists – December 2025

Context

The incidents documented in December 2025 indicate both the continued trend of detentions and administrative detention in the context of protest assemblies, and the expansion of legal and investigative mechanisms against civil society, media actors and experts. During the month, a number of activists were detained on Rustaveli Avenue and at other protest locations, mainly on allegations of blocking a road during an assembly or failing to comply with police orders.

During the same period, a case of physical violence against an activist was also documented. In addition, Georgian Dream adopted and brought into force legislative amendments that significantly tighten the regulation of assemblies and demonstrations, including by introducing stricter administrative liability for violations of prior notification requirements and restrictions on movement.

In December, particular attention was drawn to the investigation related to the BBC investigative film, within the framework of which the State Security Service summoned doctors, researchers and civil society representatives for questioning in various procedural capacities. This process was assessed as a series of acts of pressure and intimidation against civil society.

Overall, the incidents documented in December highlight three main trends: detentions during protest assemblies, the tightening of regulations governing assemblies, and pressure on civil society through investigative actions.

Incidents

On 1 December 2025, the BBC published an investigative report alleging that the Georgian authorities had used a First World War-era chemical substance to disperse the anti-government demonstrations of 2024. Within the framework of the investigation, more than 160 investigative actions were carried out and 93 witnesses were questioned, including current and former employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, doctors, experts and respondents featured in the British broadcaster’s report.

The State Security Service opened an investigation following the publication of the BBC investigative report under Articles 333 and 319 of the Criminal Code. These provisions concern abuse of official authority and assistance to a foreign organization in hostile activities.

According to the State Security Service, the purpose of the investigation is to establish in detail “what information formed the basis of the interviews of the persons relied upon in the information disseminated by the BBC, the information voiced by them, and how relevant that information may be.”

The State Security Service considers it a fact only that, “on the one hand, the disseminated material contains elements of a crime which, if confirmed, is directed against the life and health of citizens and substantially violates their and the public’s lawful interests,” while “on the other hand, conversely, it contains elements of a crime that grossly damages Georgia’s national interests, its international image and reputation, and is directed against state interests.”

On 2 December 2025, in connection with the BBC investigation, the State Security Service summoned citizens to the agency for questioning. Among them were doctors Gela Ghunashvili and Konstantine Chakhunashvili, who are co-authors of the study featured in the investigative film. Speaking to TV Pirveli, Chakhunashvili noted that the questions mainly concerned his CV and the subject matter of their scientific publications. Chakhunashvili stated that information about their work is public and can be accessed by any person.

On 3 December, in connection with the BBC investigative film, the State Security Service summoned Eka Gigauri, Director of Transparency International Georgia, and activist Mikheil Zakareishvili, who participated in the scientific study conducted by doctor Konstantine Chakhunashvili, for questioning as witnesses. Eka Gigauri was questioned before a magistrate judge. According to her, she was not asked questions concerning intoxication; rather, the State Security Service was mainly interested in whether Gigauri had received any form of remuneration for providing a comment to the BBC, which the Director of Transparency International Georgia assessed as an incomprehensible question.

On 3 December, doctor Davit Chakhunashvili and academic Giorgi Chakhunashvili were also questioned before a magistrate judge. According to Davit Chakhunashvili, investigators asked questions concerning the study conducted by the group of doctors and were interested in whether the study referred to the substance “camite.”

On 6 December 2025, during a protest held near the Government Administration in Tbilisi, law enforcement officers detained activist Giorgi Melitauri. The protest march, held under the slogan “The regime is poisoning us — conduct an international investigation,” was moving from the Parliament building towards the Government Administration. Demonstrators were demanding an international investigation and the examination of substances contained in the water cannon used during the dispersal of the November–December 2024 protests.

On 9 December 2025, activist Roman Akopov was allegedly ambushed near his residence and physically assaulted. The activist himself published photographs on social media.

On 10 December 2025, Georgian Dream considered under an expedited procedure and adopted in the third reading a draft law making it mandatory to notify the police five days in advance of holding an assembly in a place used for the movement of people or transport. In addition, under the legislative amendments, obstructing the free movement of people on sidewalks is prohibited. According to the new amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, violation of the rules, including obstructing pedestrian movement on sidewalks or failure to notify the authorities five days in advance of an assembly, entails, for a first offence, administrative detention of up to 15 days for an ordinary participant and up to 20 days for an organizer. Repeated commission of the same offence is classified as a criminal offence.

On 12 December 2025, civil activist Nene Gablaia was detained on Rustaveli Avenue. Footage disseminated on social media shows several police officers placing Gablaia into a detention vehicle.

On 20 December 2025, tensions escalated during an ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue. Police detained activist Isako Devidze. According to protest participants, Devidze was apprehended by around ten police officers through the use of force.

Incidents documented against civil activists – April 2025

Context

The incidents documented in April 2025 show that the practice of pressure against civil activists continues to retain a systemic character and manifests in various forms. The incidents recorded during the reporting period relate to administrative detentions, physical violence, investigative actions, restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression, as well as alleged discriminatory decisions connected to professional activity.

A significant part of the cases remains linked to protest activity and the public expression of a pro-European position. At the same time, in a number of cases, there are indications of disproportionate interference by law enforcement bodies, including in the context of detentions, the use of force and the dispersal of protest assemblies.

During the reporting period, particular attention should be paid to investigative actions carried out in the homes of activists and representatives of foundations and human rights organizations, as well as cases of dismissal of persons employed in the public sector, which, according to the victims themselves, were linked to their civic activism.

Incidents:

On 1 April 2025, Luka Kintsurashvili, an active participant in pro-European protests, was detained by police under administrative procedure late at night. According to Tamta Mikeladze, Director of the Social Justice Center, the activist was stopped at 20:00 on Vazha-Pshavela Avenue and was asked to show the contents of Telegram on his phone. Kintsurashvili refused to do so. After that, police took Kintsurashvili’s phone and detained him.

On 8 April 2025, late at night, during a protest on Rustaveli Avenue, police detained three activists — Vato Samkharadze, Rezi Dumbadze and Tazo Kveselava — under administrative procedure. The Ministry of Internal Affairs charged them under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, concerning petty hooliganism and failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer. According to lawyer Giorgi Tabatadze, detained activist Vato Samkharadze had a split lip and redness on his face. According to the lawyer, the activist sustained the physical injuries during his detention by police. As for the second detainee, Rezi Dumbadze, a police officer allegedly threatened and verbally insulted him.

On 9 April 2025, according to local activists, police did not allow citizens gathered near the 9 April Memorial in Zugdidi to express their protest and dispersed the assembly by force. Droa activist Mariam Sichinava wrote that one citizen was injured during the dispersal and had to be transferred to hospital. It appears that after the activists were removed from the area, representatives of the local authorities arrived at the 9 April Memorial.

On 12 April 2025, according to Batumi-based activist Tsiala Katamidze, the Ministry of Defence dismissed her from the position of reservist of the National Guard, a position she had held since 2022. According to the former reservist of the Defence Battalion of the National Guard of the Defence Forces, the reason for her dismissal was political and was linked to ongoing developments in the country.

On 14 April 2025, activist Lekso Samkharadze wrote on social media that unknown individuals attacked and physically assaulted him and his friend in Freedom Square. According to the activist, the attackers struck him with a sharp object in the area of the back and crown of his head, as a result of which he sustained multiple head injuries. As for Levan Kanchaveli, Samkharadze wrote that unknown individuals fractured his skull, requiring Kanchaveli to undergo surgery. In an interview with TV Pirveli, Levan Kanchaveli stated that the group attack was allegedly linked to his participation in pro-European protests.

On 14 April 2025, Transparency International Georgia issued a statement saying that Georgian Dream had dismissed up to 700 employees from dozens of public institutions with the aim of suppressing the protest wave in the country.

TI wrote that, under the pretext of reorganization, expiry of employment contracts or other formal grounds, employees were dismissed after signing protest statements concerning the suspension of European integration or after openly expressing critical views regarding the government’s policies.

Transparency International Georgia considers that, through four amendments made to the Law on Public Service since December 2024, Georgian Dream has significantly weakened the legal protection of civil servants and, in effect, dismantled the public service reform. The organization notes that the public service reform had been implemented for years with the support of international organizations and was one of the essential preconditions for the country’s integration into European structures.

On 16 April 2025, Gela Khasaia, a member of Girchi — More Freedom and a political activist, was sentenced by a judge of Tbilisi City Court to 12 days of administrative detention. Khasaia was accused of resisting police officers on 31 March; however, according to TV Pirveli, uninterrupted footage disseminated publicly shows that the activist followed the police voluntarily, without resistance.

On 21 April 2025, on Rustaveli Avenue, where participants in the pro-European protest were marking Easter together, police detained two persons. According to publicly available information, the detainees were Giorgi Ortoidze and Giorgi Samkharadze. One of the protest participants also published a video of the incident on Facebook. According to that participant, law enforcement officers detained the activists only because they were congratulating people on Easter.

On 29 April 2025, Tbilisi Court of Appeal refused to grant refugee status to Batumi flag-bearer Temur Katamadze. Temur Katamadze had requested that he be granted refugee status, as well as humanitarian or subsidiary protection status.

On 29 April 2025, employees of the Prosecutor’s Office conducted searches in the residential apartments of Nanuka Zhorzholiani, founder of the Nanuka Fund; her daughter, activist Mariam Geguchadze; activist Mariam Bajelidze; Aleko Tskitishvili, Head of the Human Rights Center; and Guga Kheladze, founder of the fund “For Each Other 24/7”. According to information disseminated by the Prosecutor’s Office, the searches were conducted within the framework of an investigation launched under Article 318 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, concerning sabotage. According to information disseminated by GYLA, lawyers were not given a full opportunity to attend the search procedures, and the court orders were general in nature: they did not specify the list of items, objects or materials to be discovered or seized during the searches.

The investigation in this case is being conducted on the basis of a complaint filed by Vato Shakarishvili’s organization, United Neutral Georgia.

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association responded by statement to the search-and-seizure operations carried out on 29 April in the homes of representatives of foundations. According to the organization, the morning search-and-seizure operations constituted another manifestation of Georgian Dream’s terror and, even under the presumption of an objectively conducted investigation, could not be assessed as an appropriate investigative measure.