Detention/Arrest

Vakho Sanaia was sentenced to prison over a status he posted on social media

On July 22, Zviad Tsekvava of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced journalist Vakho Sanaia to 14 days in prison over a status posted on a social network. Previously, Vakho Sanaia had already been fined for a post written on Facebook.

The case concerned posts published on social media by Vakho Sanaia regarding the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, and MP Lado Bojadze.

This is the first instance of a journalist being sentenced to imprisonment for a status written on a social network.

Administrative disputes against citizens over opinions expressed in public spaces are initiated based on reports from the newly created “Division for Combatting Hate Speech” within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). The new division has been operating within the MIA since June 1. The division’s task is to monitor and proactively detect statements disseminated in the public sphere that degrade human dignity, are insulting, or contain hate speech, if they exhibit signs of an administrative offense.

Incidents Recorded Against Civil Activists – September 2025

Context

The incidents documented in September 2025 indicate a further intensification of repressive practices against civil activists and individuals associated with the protest movement. During the reporting period, the use of imprisonment and criminal prosecution against participants in pro-European protests was particularly notable, including the imposition of multi-year prison sentences on individuals accused of participating in group actions, drug-related offences, and other criminal offences. In numerous cases, the accused stated that the criminal proceedings were linked to their participation in the protests.

The documented cases also included administrative arrests, the imposition of financial sanctions, incidents of physical violence and intimidation, including group attacks against activists and threatening incidents. Certain episodes also revealed restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression, where law enforcement officers prevented demonstrators from exercising their right to protest or used force against them.

At the same time, investigative actions against non-governmental organisations and their representatives continued within the framework of the so-called “Masks Case”, targeting activities related to supporting civil society.

Incidents

On 2 September 2025, Judge Jvebe Nachkebia of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Anton Chechin, who had been detained during the pro-European protests on drug-related charges, to 8 years and 6 months’ imprisonment. Chechin had been charged with the possession of a particularly large quantity of narcotic substances. He denies the charges and claims that the narcotics were planted on him because of his participation in the protests. He was arrested on 3 December. According to Chechin, his arrest had been preceded by an incident on 18 November, when he was taken from a protest to a police station and threatened with consequences if he continued participating in demonstrations.

On 2 September 2025, during a protest held on Rustaveli Avenue outside the Parliament building, where demonstrators were protesting statements made by Tea Tsulukiani within the framework of the Georgian Dream parliamentary investigative commission, the Ministry of Internal Affairs administratively detained 23 individuals. Protesters attempted to block the roadway, but law enforcement officers prevented them from doing so and forcibly detained several individuals on the pavement. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, those detained had failed to comply with lawful police orders.

On 3 September 2025, Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili of the Tbilisi City Court reclassified the charges against all eight defendants detained in connection with the pro-European protests and found them guilty under Article 226 of the Criminal Code, which concerns the organisation of or participation in group actions.

Three of them—Zviad Tsetskhladze, Vefkhia Kasradze, and Vasil Kadzelashvili—were sentenced to 2 years and 6 months’ imprisonment. The prosecution had originally charged all three under Article 225(1) of the Criminal Code with organising group violence.

The remaining five defendants—Irakli Miminoshvili, Giorgi Gorgadze, Tornike Goshadze, Insaf Aliyev, and Nikoloz Javakhishvili—were each sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment. They had originally been charged under Article 225(2)of the Criminal Code with participation in organised group violence.

On 3 September 2025, Judge Nino Galustashvili of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced all eleven defendants detained in connection with the pro-European protests—Revaz Kiknadze, Valeri Tetriashvili, Giorgi Terishvili, Andro Chichinadze, Onise Tskhadadze, Ruslan Sivakov, Irakli Kerashvili, Luka Jabuia, Jano Archaia, Sergei Kukharchuk, and Guri Mirtskhulava—to 2 years’ imprisonment each.

The prosecution had charged all eleven under Article 225(2) of the Criminal Code with participation in organised group violence. As in the case of the previous eight defendants, Judge Galustashvili reclassified the charges and found them guilty under Article 226 of the Criminal Code, concerning the organisation of or participation in group actions.

On 3 September 2025, Judge Jvebe Nachkebia of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Saba Skhvitaridze, who had been detained during the pro-European protests, to 2 years’ imprisonment. Initially, the prosecution accused him of assaulting police officer Mirian Kavtaradze. However, on 24 July, the Prosecutor’s Office reclassified the charge to intentional minor bodily injury under Article 120(1) of the Criminal Code.

On 3 September 2025, activist Mariam Meqantsishvili was assaulted by Beka Gotsiridze, a supporter of Georgian Dream. According to Meqantsishvili, while she was on Melikishvili Avenue, where a protest march coincided with the opening of Kakha Kaladze’s election headquarters, Gotsiridze threw a cigarette butt at her and struck her.

On 4 September 2025, the Tbilisi City Court sentenced activist Albi Kordzaia to 12 days of administrative detention. The case concerned his detention during the 2 September protest outside Parliament, where demonstrators protested statements made by Tea Tsulukiani before the Georgian Dream parliamentary commission.

On 4 September 2025, the Tbilisi City Court examined the administrative cases of individuals detained during the 2 September protest on Rustaveli Avenue. Activists Luka Devdariani, Nika Kordzadze, and Davit Gunashvili were each fined GEL 5,000. (The source text incorrectly states “2024”; this appears to be a typographical error, as the case concerns the events of 2 September 2025.)

On 8 September 2025, supporters of Georgian Dream physically attacked demonstrators gathered outside Kakha Kaladze’s election headquarters. Video footage published by media outlets shows activists being assaulted. The confrontations continued intermittently for several hours. According to participants, despite being present at the scene, the police failed to effectively prevent the attacks, even though, according to activists, some of the perpetrators could have been identified. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that an investigation had been launched into group violence.

On 10 September 2025, Megi Diasamidze was arrested on charges of damaging one of Kakha Kaladze’s election banners. The 23-year-old activist was detained under Article 187 of the Criminal Code, which criminalises the destruction or damage of another person’s property. The offence is punishable by a fine, community service, house arrest for a period of six months to two years, or imprisonment for one to five years. On 12 September, Judge Davit Kurtanidze imposed bail of GEL 2,000 as a preventive measure, and Diasamidze was released from the courtroom.

On 12 September 2025, Judge Nino Galustashvili of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Anastasia Zinovkina and Artem Gribul, who had been detained during the pro-European protests on drug-related charges, to 8 years and 6 months’ imprisonment each. Zinovkina and Gribul were arrested on 17 December and charged with possession of a particularly large quantity of narcotic substances. Both deny the charges and state that the narcotics were planted on them during personal and residential searches because of their participation in the protests. Both had previously participated in demonstrations against Vladimir Putin in Russia.

On 12 September 2025, public servant Tako Kavkasidze stated that she had been dismissed on political grounds. According to Kavkasidze, she had publicly distanced herself from Georgian Dream’s decision to suspend the country’s European integration process by signing a public petition. She further stated that another signatory of the same pro-European petition had also been dismissed from public service.

On 15 September 2025, participants in a protest march travelling from the building of the Public Broadcaster to the intersection of Rustaveli Avenue and Besiki Street were verbally and physically confronted by several individuals. According to activists, one of the attackers was allegedly carrying a firearm and a knife. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that, following the incident, an individual born in 2009 was arrested on charges of the illegal acquisition, possession, and carrying of firearms and ammunition.

On 23 September 2025, according to Mariam Nikuradze, Director and photojournalist of OC MEDIA, demonstrators participating in the so-called “zebra crossing protests” near the Atoneli Residence in Tbilisi were deliberately struck by a vehicle.

Nikuradze stated that activist Mariam Meqantsishvili lost consciousness twice and was transported by ambulance. A second injured person, Lizi Ubilava, was also taken to hospital. According to the police, the incident had been referred to the competent authority, although it remained unclear whether a criminal investigation had been formally initiated.

On 29 September 2025, activist Gela Khasaia, a member of Girchi – More Freedom, was arrested. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he was detained on charges of intentional minor bodily injury, and the investigation was being conducted under Article 120 of the Criminal Code. According to his lawyer, the case concerns a conflict that occurred on 1 September at Station Square involving individuals unknown to Khasaia. The lawyer further stated that while Khasaia was held at the police station, he was subjected to verbal abuse and psychological pressure. According to counsel, one police officer reminded him of an earlier incident in which the officer had threatened that Khasaia would eventually be arrested under criminal law.

The so-called “Masks Case”

Within the framework of the so-called “Masks Case”, the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia summoned several representatives of civil society for questioning before a magistrate judge. On 4 September, Giorgi Mshvenieradze, Chair of the organisation Guardians of Democracy, was questioned before the Tbilisi City Court. According to him, the Prosecutor’s questions concerned his individual Facebook posts, the organisation’s financial documentation, and the organisation of the 2024 protest demonstrations.

On 8 September, Levan Natroshvili, Executive Director of the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), was questioned in connection with the same case.

On 17 September, Eka Gigauri, Executive Director of Transparency International Georgia, and Lela Tsiskarishvili, Chair of the Tbilisi Human Rights House and Director of the Georgian Centre for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (GCRT), were questioned before a magistrate judge. According to their statements, the questioning focused on activities related to the protest movement, including support provided to protesters, payment of administrative fines, legal assistance, and the procurement of various types of equipment and supplies.

The so-called “Masks Case” stems from a criminal investigation launched by the Prosecutor’s Office on 8 February 2025, conducted under Articles 318(1), 19 in conjunction with Article 318(2), Article 319, and Article 321¹(2)(a) of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Within the framework of the investigation, on 7 August, the Prosecutor’s Office froze the bank accounts of seven non-governmental organisations: the Civil Society Foundation, ISFED, IDFI, GDI, Guardians of Democracy, Sapari, and the Social Justice Center. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the organisations’ designated funds had been used to purchase equipment such as gas masks, protective goggles, face masks, face coverings, pepper spray, and other items allegedly used by protesters during violent confrontations with the police. The Prosecutor’s Office also treated the provision of legal assistance to detained and fined protesters as part of the alleged criminal conduct.

Incidents Documented Against Civil Activists – 11–31 December 2024

Context

In the second half of December, practices of legal, administrative, and indirect pressure emerged against civil activists, citizens participating in protest actions, and persons employed in the public sector. The second half of December was marked by the tightening of legislative regulations, as well as by an increase in the practice of detentions and termination of labour relations. Below is an overview of developments that took place in the second half of December, based on information disseminated in the media and publicly available sources, and it may not reflect all cases.

Tightening of laws / legislative amendments: During the reporting period, Parliament adopted two packages of legislative amendments concerning the regulation of assemblies and demonstrations, the increase of administrative sanctions, rules governing service in the police, and the legal framework of public service.

Detentions: Between 11 and 31 December, at least 16 persons were detained under administrative law, while at least 1 person was detained under criminal law.

Administrative proceedings / verbal warnings: As a result of judicial review of administrative cases, at least 4 persons were issued verbal warnings.

Financial sanctions: In administrative proceedings, financial sanctions were imposed on at least 3 persons; the total amount of fines reached GEL 6,700.

Physical violence / ill-treatment: In at least 8 cases, activists alleged physical violence or ill-treatment, including in the context of arrest, transportation, being held at police stations, or during court proceedings.

Seizure of property / personal belongings: In at least 3 cases, detentions were accompanied by the alleged unlawful seizure or non-return of personal belongings, including mobile phones.

Retention, or non-return of property/personal belongings: At least 3 distinct practices were identified, including summoning activists for questioning or “interviews,” the use of migration mechanisms against foreign nationals participating in protests, and pressure on persons employed in public service. At least 24 persons employed in the public sector had their employment contracts terminated or not renewed.

11 December

In the Parliament of Georgia, “Georgian Dream” supported in the first reading a package of legislative amendments that included regulation of pyrotechnics and amendments to the Law on Police. The amendments initiated within the package envisaged placing the import, export, production, and sale of pyrotechnic products under a special permit regime. In addition, pyrotechnics were added to the list of items that would be prohibited to possess during demonstrations. The amendments to the Law on Police included in the same package regulated the rules for recruitment to the police, including the possibility of appointment without a special competition under conditions determined by an order of the Minister.

On 11 December, non-governmental organizations disseminated a joint statement, according to which the police were forcibly taking some citizens for questioning. The practice described in the statement was assessed as a possible mechanism of pressure. The organizations also indicated that, in some cases, lawyers were not given the opportunity to meet with the persons concerned.

On the same day, information was disseminated that foreign nationals participating in protest actions were being summoned to the Migration Department. According to the Social Justice Center, based on information received in recent days through the hotline of the legal aid network of non-governmental organizations, foreign nationals participating in protest actions were being summoned to the Migration Department. In parallel, according to reported information, one of the persons who appeared at the Migration Department was forced to leave the territory of Georgia through another country. The organization noted that the expulsion of foreign nationals from the country for participating in peaceful demonstrations does not comply with national legislation and international standards.

On 11 December, in Bolnisi Municipality, public school teacher and civil activist Pikria Epitashvili was attacked. According to reports, an unknown person approached Epitashvili and cut her in the facial area with a razor. Information about the incident was initially disseminated on social media. Epitashvili herself publicly stated that she had received medical assistance and that an investigation had been launched into the incident. In her published statement, the incident was assessed as an act of violence and intimidation linked to the ongoing developments in the country and to her civic position.

12 December

Guram Khutashvili was arrested on 11 December. He is charged with damaging 112 surveillance cameras, which provides for imprisonment from 3 to 6 years. The accused remains in pre-trial detention despite his confession, remorse, and readiness to compensate for the damage. According to the defence, under these circumstances, the use of detention has a punitive character. According to the case file, the accused states that damaging the cameras had not been his aim. Guram Khutashvili’s case was joined with the case of Daniel Mumladze, who was arrested on 9 December. Although the cases concern the qualification of a group offence, the court hearings on the imposition of preventive measures were held separately. The merits hearing will proceed in one set of proceedings.

On 12 December, in Tbilisi, Rondeli Foundation researcher Vato Bzhalava was detained under administrative-offence proceedings on the basis of Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences: disobedience to a police order. According to reports, he was taken on Irakli Abashidze Street while walking his dog. According to the defence, after the detention, possible physical violence was used against Bzhalava at the police station and he was asked to provide the password to his phone. The administrative offence protocol referred to resistance; however, according to disseminated video footage, the detained person followed law enforcement officers without resistance.

In Tbilisi, poet Zviad Ratiani was attacked near the entrance of his residential building. According to him, several persons physically assaulted him, as a result of which he sustained injuries. Ratiani had previously been detained under administrative-offence proceedings at the protest action on 29 November. The court sentenced him to 8 days of administrative detention, and he was released on 9 December.

13 December

The Parliament of Georgia adopted amendments to the Law on Public Service under an expedited procedure, in three readings. The amendments concerned the rules for appointment to vacant positions, mechanisms for the evaluation of civil servants, and the regulation of reorganization. The law determined that heads of primary structural units and their deputies would become persons employed under administrative contracts. According to government representatives, the amendments do not automatically result in the termination of service relations, and after reorganization, the results of a competition will determine the status of employees.

The amendments were critically assessed by lawyers and civil society. According to the assessments expressed, the new regulations reduce labour protection guarantees for public servants, change evaluation rules, and limit the effectiveness of judicial control. According to non-governmental organizations, including GYLA, the amendments weaken mechanisms for the protection of rights and increase the risk of politicization of public service. The Public Defender also criticized both the legislative process and the content of the adopted norms, particularly with regard to the abolition of reinstatement rights for persons dismissed on the basis of reorganization.

On the same day, the Parliament of Georgia adopted, under an expedited procedure, a package of legislative amendments that significantly changes regulations related to assemblies and demonstrations, administrative sanctions, and rules of service in the police. The package combines amendments to several laws, including the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, the Code of Administrative Offences, and the Law on Police.

The amendments prohibited participants of an assembly or demonstration from carrying pyrotechnics, laser devices, or devices with sharp radiation, as well as from covering the face with a mask or other means. The law determined that the list of persons for whom covering the face will be permissible will be established by the Minister of Internal Affairs. These restrictions will enter into force immediately upon publication.

The amendment to the Law on Police determined that the rules and conditions for recruitment to the police without a special competition will be established by an order of the Minister.

The amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences significantly increased fines for various offences, including violations of the rules on assemblies, vandalism, and actions related to blocking roads. The legal grounds for administrative detention and the confiscation of items were also expanded.

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association assessed these amendments as legislative initiatives of an undemocratic and repressive nature.

14 December

Tbilisi City Court sentenced Vato Bzhalava to 4 days of administrative detention. He had been detained in Tbilisi on Irakli Abashidze Street on 12 December, on the basis of Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences. At the court hearing, Bzhalava stated that he had not resisted law enforcement officers during the detention. According to him, at the police station, one of the officers physically assaulted him and demanded the code to his mobile phone.

According to the party “Droa,” party member and political activist Niko Kvatsabaia was detained under administrative-offence proceedings. Initially, the party indicated that his whereabouts were unknown. Later, according to the lawyer, it was confirmed that Kvatsabaia had been detained under administrative-offence proceedings on the basis of Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences. He was transferred to the Dighomi detention facility. According to the defence, the detained person had no injuries.

15 December

According to the lawyer, activist Niko Managadze was detained under administrative-offence proceedings on the basis of Article 173, paragraph 1, of the Code of Administrative Offences. According to reports, the detention took place on Kostava Street in Tbilisi, when he was returning from a protest. According to the defence, Managadze was detained by persons dressed in civilian clothes. According to the lawyer, after the detention, one of the persons entered where he was held and was rudely asking him why he went to protests and how long he intended to continue doing so. In addition, a few hours before the detention, Managadze had been summoned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs for questioning. The activist refused to appear at the department and requested questioning before a magistrate judge.

16 December

On 16 December, a number of statements were disseminated through the media and social networks, according to which demonstrators indicated that, during detentions and the dispersal of protests, their personal belongings, including mobile phones, had been confiscated. Some respondents described cases in which, according to them, the confiscation of items took place without any procedural documentation and by unidentified, often masked, persons. Demonstrators, including Giorgi Bregvadze, Besik Liparteliani, Gia Jvarsheishvili, and Salome Zandukeli, spoke about this practice. Activists also stated that, through special applications, the location of their devices was being registered near administrative buildings of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Non-governmental organizations publicly assessed this practice as possible cases of unlawful confiscation or appropriation and indicated that, in the event of a legal assessment, such actions may contain elements of both property-related and official misconduct offences. According to them, in some cases the confiscation of items was not reflected in the relevant protocols, while the victims did not have their belongings returned after release.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs denied the allegations disseminated and stated that the police acted within the powers granted by legislation. According to the agency, on the basis of the Law on Police and the Code of Administrative Offences, the police have the right, in cases provided for by law, to temporarily confiscate an item from a person. According to the Ministry, personal belongings lawfully confiscated are returned to detainees immediately upon release.

The court hearing in the case of Davit Gogilashvili was held on 17 December. Gogilashvili is detained on the basis of Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, which concerns disobedience to a police order. He was detained at a protest action on 30 November. According to media reports, after the detention, Gogilashvili was transferred to a medical facility; he had a head trauma and injuries to the face. Gogilashvili indicates that physical violence was used against him during the detention. According to him, he was detained by the special-purpose unit, severely beaten, locked in a minibus for 9 hours while bleeding, and ultimately robbed as well. Despite these circumstances, law enforcement bodies allege that he committed an administrative offence.

19 December

A court hearing was held at Tbilisi City Court in the case of protest participant Giorgi Chutkerashvili. He was found to have committed an administrative offence under Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences and was fined GEL 2,000.

At the court hearing, Chutkerashvili stated that he had been detained on 2 December at the ongoing protest action on Rustaveli Avenue. According to him, the detention was carried out by members of the special-purpose unit. Chutkerashvili indicated that, during the detention, he was subjected to physical violence and ill-treatment. According to him, as a result of the detention he developed health problems, including deterioration of eyesight; he lost 20% of his vision. Chutkerashvili also stated that the injuries indicated in the official documentation did not reflect his actual condition.

Tbilisi City Court fined disability rights activist Gia Jvarsheishvili GEL 2,200 for disobedience to a police order. Jvarsheishvili was detained on 2 December on Besiki Street in Tbilisi. At the court hearing, he stated that, during the detention, he was subjected to physical violence, verbal abuse, and threats. According to him, these actions were carried out by law enforcement officers.

When Jvarsheishvili was making statements about the violence, the judge noted that these issues did not fall within the subject matter of the administrative offence hearing and indicated that the relevant agency should be addressed for a response to possible ill-treatment. According to information previously disseminated in the media, Jvarsheishvili indicated that, as a result of the detention, he sustained injuries to his health. According to the same reports, he also spoke about the confiscation of personal belongings.

20 December

According to the non-commercial legal entity “Gori Photographers’ Club,” Gori Municipality City Hall requested the termination of the contract concluded with them a few days after the opening of the installation “A City at War Does Not Apologize.” According to the organization, the termination of the contract is linked to their creative activity and freedom of expression. The club did not agree with the City Hall’s decision and announced the initiation of a legal dispute.

Later, Gori Municipality City Hall disseminated an explanation, according to which the contract was terminated on the basis of the conditions provided for in the contract. According to City Hall, the municipality had the right to terminate the agreement, while the reason for the decision was identified as the plan to establish an innovation centre in that space.

Davit Akhalkatsi, representative of the Akhaltsikhe office of the party “Akhali” and a political activist, was detained under administrative-offence proceedings. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he was detained on the basis of Articles 116 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, which concern petty hooliganism and disobedience to a lawful order of a law enforcement officer. According to media reports, before the detention, a verbal confrontation was recorded between Davit Akhalkatsi and the Deputy Mayor of Akhaltsikhe. According to reports, the incident occurred during a New Year event.

23 December

Tbilisi City Court found Saba Kevkhishvili, who had been detained during the protest actions, to be an administrative offender and issued him a verbal warning. He was accused of committing an offence under Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, which concerns disobedience to a lawful order of a law enforcement officer. Kevkhishvili was detained on 1 December. According to Kevkhishvili, after the detention, physical and verbal violence was used against him. According to the Social Justice Center, “as a result of severe physical assault by masked special-purpose officers, he had injuries in the facial area — fractures of the nasal and jaw bones, as well as of the eye socket, and a concussion.”

Tbilisi City Court imposed a verbal warning as an administrative liability measure on actor Giorgi Bakhutashvili, who had been detained at a protest action. At the court hearing, Bakhutashvili explained that his detention took place in circumstances where he was calling on a police officer not to detain a citizen who was unwell. According to him, he did not enter into physical contact with the law enforcement officer and only addressed him verbally. Bakhutashvili stated that the detention took place precisely during this episode.

26 December

According to reports, the labour contracts of some employees working at the National Agency for Crime Prevention, Execution of Non-Custodial Sentences and Probation were not renewed from 2025. According to the Ministry of Justice, contracts were terminated for approximately up to 10 employees.

Social workers Ana Endeladze and Mariam Siradze publicly stated that their contracts had been terminated. According to them, the decision was unexpected and they did not receive relevant written justification. Both indicated that there had previously been no disciplinary or professional complaints against them.

A public statement was also made by mediator Giorgi Abuladze, who linked the termination of his contract to his political position. According to him, the agency did not renew contracts with three mediators.

According to the Social Workers’ Union, the termination of contracts affected several social workers. The organization considered the process suspicious and pointed to possible politically motivated decisions. For their part, the Ministry of Justice and the agency denied political motivation and stated that the decisions were linked to the expiry of short-term contracts.

On the same day, Giga Sopromadze, coordinator of disability programmes at Tbilisi City Hall, who had worked in this position for approximately 8 years, was dismissed from his job. According to documents publicly disseminated by him, the basis for the termination of the contract was the absence of the need for a non-staff position. The document states that the programmes implemented by City Hall already have coordinators, and therefore the existence of this position is no longer necessary. The order terminating the contract was signed by Kakha Kaladze. For his part, Giga Sopromadze stated that the decision was unexpected for him and that he had not previously received any complaints related to his professional activity. Later, on 27 December, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze stated that Sopromadze’s dismissal had not been politically motivated. According to him, Sopromadze was a non-staff employee employed under a contract; the term of his contract had expired and there was no longer a need to renew it. According to publicly available information, Giga Sopromadze participated in ongoing protest actions and publicly expressed his position.

The organization Partnership for Human Rights responded to insulting and threatening messages disseminated on social media against disability rights activist and human rights defender Tatia Datashvili. According to reports, Tatia Datashvili stated that Facebook user Marina Kirtadze had disseminated insulting statements against her and sent her threatening voice messages. According to Datashvili, these actions were linked to her civic position and human rights work. According to the Partnership for Human Rights (PHR), Datashvili received insulting and threatening messages because of her activism and publicly expressed position. The organization addressed law enforcement bodies regarding this fact and requested an appropriate response.

27 December

According to the organization “Sapari,” they will provide legal assistance to Women’s March participant Ketevan Meskhi, who, according to reports, became a victim of physical violence on 25 December at Orbeliani Square. According to reports, the incident occurred during the Women’s March. According to available information, an unknown person verbally insulted participants of the march, after which he physically assaulted Ketevan Meskh. According to the victim, she sustained bodily injuries.

Former Tbilisi City Hall employee Nino Kiknadze publicly stated that the municipality terminated her labour contract. According to her, she was informed of the decision on 27 December and was told that her contract would no longer be renewed from 1 January 2025. According to Nino Kiknadze, the termination of the contract is linked to her publicly expressed political position. Kiknadze indicated that for years she had cooperated within Tbilisi City Hall on international cultural projects.

Tbilisi City Court imposed a fine of GEL 2,500 in an administrative case on Saba Skhvitaridze, who had been detained at a protest action. The decision was made by Judge Zviad Tsekvava. Administrative proceedings against Saba Skhvitaridze were conducted under Article 174¹, paragraph 4, and Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, which concern the artificial blocking of the carriageway, petty hooliganism, and disobedience to a lawful order of a police officer. According to the lawyer, the court examined these cases jointly. At the court hearing, Saba Skhvitaridze stated, regarding the circumstances of the detention, that his detention took place after a physical incident with the police. According to him, physical violence was used against him during the detention. During the same period, Saba Skhvitaridze was in detention within the framework of a criminal case; he had been arrested on 5 December. After the arrest, he spoke about ill-treatment by law enforcement officers.

According to information disseminated in the media, statements were made about possible pressure on some Tbilisi City Hall employees. According to an anonymous source, City Hall employees were being urged to withdraw their signatures from a public statement related to the European Union; otherwise, they were being warned about the non-renewal of labour contracts.

According to the same information, in one structural unit, a person in a managerial position was instructed to dismiss employees who had signed the statement, after which, according to reports, he left his position. Former City Hall employee Giga Sopromadze spoke publicly about these circumstances and stated that pressure was being exerted on employees who had signed the statement. According to him, the number of signatories decreased. Sopromadze referred to a relevant document, according to which the statement was initially signed by approximately 240 employees, while later the number of signatures decreased.

Tbilisi City Court found Sandro Bukia, who had been detained on 7 December, to be an administrative offender. By the decision of Judge Nino Enukidze, he was found to be an offender on the basis of Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences and was issued a verbal warning. According to reports, Sandro Bukia was detained on 7 December in the area surrounding Rustaveli metro station. According to media reports, the detention took place while he was moving. According to media reports, during the detention, a family member pointed to the detained person’s health condition.

According to reports, behavioural therapist Salome Mchedlidze was dismissed from the Rustavi Municipality Rehabilitation and Development Centre. According to her, the labour contract, the term of which expired on 31 December, was not renewed from 2025. Salome Mchedlidze explained that she was involved in ABA therapy and rehabilitation-habilitation programmes. According to her, the only reason given for the termination of the contract was the expiry of the contract term, while she links the decision to her political position. According to her, the contract of one more behavioural therapist was also not renewed, while two employees, according to reports, left their jobs in solidarity with them.

Tbilisi City Court released protest demonstration participant Bilal Duishvili with a verbal warning within the framework of administrative proceedings. The decision was made by Judge Zviad Tsekvava. According to reports, Bilal Duishvili was detained on 4 December during the protest action. According to available reports, during the detention process he indicated physical violence by law enforcement officers. According to the same information, his personal belongings were confiscated during the detention. According to information disseminated in the media, after the detention Bilal Duishvili was transferred to a medical facility. According to reports, he had a fractured nose, multiple bruises, and a concussion, because of which he remained in a clinic for several days.

On 27 December, Taia Makharashvili, an employee of Tbilisi City Hall’s Media Relations Service, was dismissed from City Hall. According to her, the decision was political in nature. Makharashvili stated that the official reason given to her was that her labour contract would not be renewed because the position she held had been abolished. According to her, this explanation raises doubts, especially against the background that she was among the signatories of the public statement in which City Hall employees expressed loyalty to the Constitution and European integration. Makharashvili also indicates that a few days earlier she had participated in the establishment of a trade union together with other public servants, which, in her assessment, points to the possible political motive of the decision.

On similar grounds due to the abolition of the position Lana Kardava, an employee of the Public Relations Department, was also dismissed from City Hall. Kardava wrote on social media that she views the decision in a political context and links it to the ongoing developments in the country. The series of dismissals was preceded by another case: on 26 December, after 8 years of work, Giga Sopromadze, who held the position of coordinator of disability programmes, was dismissed from City Hall. It should be noted that the statement disseminated in early December, in which City Hall employees expressed support for the course of European integration, was signed by more than 220 employees. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze publicly called this statement “sabotage” and stated that there would be a response.

On 27 December, Mikheil Butskhrikidze, Head of the Office of the Adigeni Municipal Council, was dismissed from his position. The decision was preceded by his public statement on social media, published on 26 December. Butskhrikidze stated that he distanced himself from the decision of “Georgian Dream” regarding the suspension of the European integration process and condemned the violent dispersal of citizens’ peaceful protest.

One day after expressing his public position, he was dismissed from the Municipal Council Office. Butskhrikidze himself also disseminated information about his dismissal on social media, where he stated that he had worked in public service for more than ten years and had served the country “with a clear conscience.”

29 December

On Rustaveli Avenue, in the area surrounding Kashveti Church, the police detained protest participants. According to eyewitnesses, the demonstrators were not occupying the carriageway and it was unclear to them what became the basis for the detentions. The situation on site became tense and there was a confrontation. One of the protest participants told the media that the gathered persons were standing on the sidewalk and near the lawn, while part of the road had been blocked by the police themselves. In his assessment, law enforcement officers were detaining people through the use of force.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs explained that 6 persons had been detained under administrative-offence proceedings. Later, the agency stated that all six detained persons had been released on the basis of a written undertaking. They were accused of petty hooliganism and disobedience to a police order. According to police officers on site, the reason for the detentions was the alleged insulting of law enforcement officers by protest participants.

According to the assessment of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, the detentions were carried out by violent methods. The organization stated that actions such as pulling hair and dragging citizens on the ground were documented, which, in its assessment, violate the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression and do not comply with legal norms.

30 December

Government Administration employee Mate Sokhadze states that his labour contract will not be renewed from January 2025. In his assessment, this decision is politically motivated.

Sokhadze writes on social media that he received information about the non-renewal of the contract at the end of December. According to him, the decision was not entirely unexpected, although he notes that he did not receive any official justification. Sokhadze links his dismissal to his public positions, including signing a statement by persons employed in the public sector and participating in protest actions. The Government Administration explains that Mate Sokhadze was a non-staff employee, the term of his contract had expired, and its renewal was not planned. The agency states that the decision is not linked to political factors and that it has no information about Sokhadze’s “political taste.”

Recently, information has been disseminated about the dismissal of a number of persons employed under labour contracts from public agencies. According to various media reports, the dismissals affected both the Crime Prevention and Probation Center and Tbilisi City Hall.

On 30 December, information was disseminated according to which some employees of the National Agency of Public Registry state that their labour contracts will not be renewed from 2025. The employees disseminated the relevant statements on social media.

One of the first persons to write publicly about the non-renewal of her contract was Ani Mamukelashvili, who noted that on 30 December an HR representative informed her of the decision. In her assessment, this step is linked to her signing of the petition of Public Registry employees. Nino Kharchilava also links her dismissal to her civic positions. According to her, for several years she was involved in the systematic land registration project and learned about the termination of her contract precisely after participating in the petition. A statement of similar content was disseminated by Sali Kapanadze, who writes that the agency ended cooperation with her after many years of work. Elza Geladze also links the decision to political circumstances and states that the official reason given to her was “the absence of a need for staff.” Fikria Ardia also speaks of a political motive, stating that the non-renewal of her contract is linked to her political views. In the same context, other agency employees — Ana Gurasashvili, Meri Tagoshvili, and Zura Gegeshidze — also write about their positions and dismissal, noting that the decision was politically motivated.

Incidents Documented Against Civil Activists – 1–10 December 2024

Context

At the beginning of December 2024, large-scale protest assemblies were taking place in various cities of Georgia. The protest wave was related to political decisions concerning the process of accession to the European Union and to broad public dissatisfaction. During this period, protest assemblies were held on a daily basis.

During the reporting period, law enforcement officers repeatedly dispersed peaceful protest assemblies, used force and special means, and detained citizens both under administrative-offence proceedings and arrested them in criminal proceedings. Searches of personal and residential premises were carried out at the addresses of various persons. During detention, transportation, and while being held by law enforcement bodies, citizens alleged ill-treatment. The reports describe physical violence, verbal abuse, and psychological pressure. In individual cases, citizens indicated the unlawful confiscation of personal belongings, including mobile phones and bags, by law enforcement officers. During the indicated period, courts imposed administrative detention or financial sanctions against civil or political activists. In addition, pre-trial detention was applied as a preventive measure against all persons arrested in criminal proceedings.

Restriction of the freedoms of assembly and expression: During the reporting period, police forces dispersed protest demonstrations 5 times.
Criminal arrests: As of 10 December, according to official data, approximately 40 persons had been arrested in criminal proceedings.
Administrative detentions: For the same period, more than 400 persons had been detained under administrative-offence proceedings.
Physical violence / ill-treatment: Out of 327 detained and injured persons visited by the Public Defender, 225 alleged ill-treatment, while visible injuries were documented in 157 cases.
Financial sanctions / administrative proceedings: During the reporting period, courts applied administrative liability measures, including fines amounting in total to at least GEL 8,100, as well as verbal warnings.
Confiscation of property / personal belongings: During the reporting period, at least 5 cases were documented where detentions were accompanied by the alleged unlawful confiscation of personal belongings, including mobile phones.
Criminal prosecution / initiation of investigation: Within the framework of court practice, pre-trial detention was imposed on at least 19 accused persons, namely in the so-called cases involving 8 persons and 11 persons.
Indirect pressure / “Chilling Effect”: At least 3 different types of practices were identified that indicate indirect pressure, including the context of reorganization in the public sector, mass police control related to protest spaces, and the practice of summoning activists to investigative bodies.

1 December 2024, Tbilisi

During the night hours, according to reports, special-purpose forces used special means against demonstrators, including water cannons and tear gas. An assessment of the available reports indicates that, in individual episodes, the use of force and special means did not comply with the principle of proportionality.

According to various sources, tear gas was used in circumstances connected with enclosed spaces, including near the entrances of residential buildings and within the inner perimeter of buildings, which requires particular legal assessment in the context of safety standards. During the reporting period, signs of restrictions related to the movement of protest participants were also documented, including restrictions on the possibility to leave the area and the use of encirclement tactics.

Throughout the night of 1–2 December, in more than ten episodes, special-purpose forces continued to use special means against peaceful demonstrators, including water cannons and tear gas.

Researcher Shota Narsia was detained on 1 December, at approximately 01:39, in the area surrounding the streets of Dzmebi Zubalashvilebi and Lesia Ukrainka. According to reports, the detention was preceded by physical violence by special-purpose forces, including blows and the use of force, despite the fact that he was not resisting. Narsia indicated both physical injuries and verbal abuse and psychological pressure.

Gia Jvarsheishvili, a disability rights defender and activist, was violently detained on Rustaveli Avenue during the night of 1–2 December. According to him, special-purpose officers physically assaulted him on the spot, despite the fact that he had his hands raised in a sign of peace. After the detention, according to Jvarsheishvili’s account, the violence continued in a special vehicle, where he was beaten and his ability to move was restricted. The beating was so intense that, according to available information, the activist sustained serious injuries — he was diagnosed with fractured ribs and a concussion and had difficulty breathing. Jvarsheishvili describes that the physical violence was accompanied by degrading and aggressive verbal abuse. According to him, medical assistance became possible only after his condition sharply deteriorated. He also states that police officers removed from his pocket his mobile phone and wallet, which contained money and personal documents. They also took his backpack.

Rati Bokolishvili was detained on the morning of 1 December on Rustaveli Avenue while he was returning home from the protest. According to his account, law enforcement officers unexpectedly attacked him and the persons accompanying him, despite the fact that they had not resisted. Bokolishvili describes that during the detention and afterwards, in a special vehicle, repeated physical violence was carried out against him, including blows to the face and body. According to him, the violence was accompanied by verbal abuse and threats. As a result of the injuries sustained, he was diagnosed with damage to the nasal septum and a concussion, and medical assistance and treatment became necessary. Bokolishvili also states that, at that time, his personal belongings were taken, including a mobile phone, backpack, helmet, and respirator mask.

Saba Kevkhishvili was detained on 1 December, in the early morning hours, on Rustaveli Avenue after the dispersal of a mass peaceful assembly. According to the organization, after the detention, physical violence was carried out against him, as a result of which he had serious injuries, including fractures of the nose, jaw, and eye socket, and a concussion. According to Kevkhishvili, he was beaten in a minibus, threatened, and his mobile phone and personal belongings were taken from him.

Thirty-eight-year-old Temur Zasokhashvili was initially detained under administrative-offence proceedings, and after 48 hours he was charged in criminal proceedings. He is accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail on 1 December on Rustaveli Avenue, as a result of which, according to the prosecution’s version, a water cannon vehicle was damaged; the court imposed pre-trial detention on him as a preventive measure. According to the lawyers, Zasokhashvili had serious physical injuries at the time of detention, while his identification on the basis of video footage and photo identification in the case is disputed. According to the lawyers, at the time of detention he had serious physical injuries, including in the facial and body areas, and had difficulty moving. According to his lawyer, after the detention, Zasokhashvili was in serious physical condition — he had bruises and blood effusions on his face, had difficulty moving, and even had difficulty opening his eye.

Fifty-three-year-old Davit Lomidze was initially detained by the police on 1 December 2024 at the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue under administrative-offence proceedings, and after the expiry of 48 hours he was charged in criminal proceedings. He is accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail towards employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs; on 4 December, the court imposed pre-trial detention on him as a preventive measure. According to the defence, physical violence and psychological pressure were used against Lomidze during the detention, and his personal belongings were also confiscated. Lomidze does not plead guilty, while the lawyer considers the evidence presented in the case to be insufficient and disputed. According to the defence, after the detention, physical violence was carried out against Lomidze during his transfer to a minibus; his hands were tied and he was beaten. According to the lawyer, the violence was also accompanied by psychological pressure, including demands for cooperation and for changing testimony. In addition, special-purpose officers stole Davit Lomidze’s personal belongings; he had with him a mobile phone, wallet, and bank cards.

Twenty-one-year-old Giorgi Mindadze, a medical university student, was arrested on 1 December 2024 in Mtskheta Municipality. The Prosecutor’s Office accuses him of throwing pyrotechnics towards law enforcement officers, while the court imposed pre-trial detention on him as a preventive measure. According to the defence, the prosecution relies on a photograph and a police officer’s testimony to substantiate the charge; however, the lawyer considers the evidence insufficient. According to the family, at the time of the arrest, Mindadze’s whereabouts were unknown to his mother, which forced her to search for her son in various agencies.

Actress Natia Bunturi states that, during unrest at the protest, law enforcement officers helped her up and took her to a side street under the pretext of removing her from the area. According to her, at that location, while speaking with police officers, she was struck on the head, as a result of which she sustained an injury. According to Bunturi, after the incident, she was removed from the area.

One of the protest participants, Tamar Zhvania, was transferred to hospital. According to relatives, she had been standing in front of the special-purpose forces during the protest. According to reports, she had difficulty speaking and showed signs of disorientation.

2 December 2024

The Ministry of Internal Affairs began dispersing the protest at 21:45. Special-purpose forces moved from Freedom Square and the surrounding areas towards Rustaveli Avenue and were deployed towards the area surrounding Parliament, including the perimeter of Kashveti Church. Special means were used in the process of dispersing the protest. By approximately 22:10, law enforcement officers used tear gas. The protest was preceded by public statements of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in which the agency called on participants to disperse and referred to the use of special means.

According to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, during the dispersal of the protest, there were alleged cases of excessive use of force. According to the organization, facts of infliction of physical injuries on demonstrators were documented, and some of the injured persons required medical assistance.

By 7:00 in the morning, police forces began dispersing the protest and also detained protest participants. Among the detained persons was human rights defender Giorgi Davituri. He is the Head of the Rule of Law and Media Freedom Direction at the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information.

Judge Zviad Tsekvava of Tbilisi City Court sentenced poet Zviad Ratiani, who had been detained at the 28 November protest, to 8 days of administrative detention. According to the lawyer, he was taken directly from the hospital to the court and from there to a detention facility. According to relatives, Ratiani sustained physical injuries during the detention. Zviad Ratiani sustained serious injuries during the detention, including multiple fractures and bruises, which required urgent medical intervention and bed rest. Despite his serious health condition, Ratiani was taken directly from the hospital to court, after which administrative detention was imposed on him. According to relatives, this decision practically disregarded the victim’s medical needs.

Giorgi Chutkerashvili was detained by special-purpose officers during the 2 December protest. According to him, during the detention process and afterwards, while in the vehicle, physical violence and threats were used against him. Giorgi Chutkerashvili recounts that special-purpose officers severely assaulted him during the detention. According to him, they first threw him to the ground, struck him on the back of the head, and threatened to kill him, after which they forced him into a vehicle. According to Chutkerashvili’s account, the physical violence continued in the vehicle as well — he was hit in different parts of the body, including in the face and on the back of the head, despite his requests that they stop beating him. He also recalls that law enforcement officers mocked him, verbally abused him, and threatened to inflict physical injury. According to him, the violence continued repeatedly, and one of the persons struck him in the nose area. Chutkerashvili notes that, during the detention process, they also took photographs of him and asked whether he was allegedly involved in organizing the protests.

Lazare Maghlakelidze was detained on 2 December, in the early morning hours, in the context of the protest action. According to him, after the detention, law enforcement officers used violence against him several times, including during transfer in a vehicle. Maghlakelidze notes that the physical violence was accompanied by threats and degrading treatment. Lazare Maghlakelidze states that, after the detention, special-purpose officers used violence against him repeatedly. According to him, law enforcement officers first checked whether journalists were absent, after which they began physical assault; they covered his head with a raincoat and beat him in a group, including in the face and body areas. Maghlakelidze recalls that he lost consciousness as a result of the beating, and after regaining consciousness, the violence continued. According to his account, he was thrown into a minibus together with other detainees, where special-purpose officers periodically returned and continued beating them, including in complete darkness. According to the victim, the physical violence was accompanied by severe verbal abuse and threats of rape.

Twenty-four-year-old Dato Abuladze, a person with disabilities, was detained and beaten by special-purpose forces at the protest. According to available information, three special-purpose officers approached him and his friend, confiscated personal belongings, and physically assaulted them. After the detention, Abuladze was taken to a police station, where an interpreter was not provided, despite the fact that his only language of communication is sign language. Later, he was placed in a clinic. Dato Abuladze is receiving treatment at Ingorokva Clinic. He has bruising around the eyes, a concussion, and injuries to his legs.

Twenty-six-year-old Davit Khomeriki was arrested on 2 December 2024. The Prosecutor’s Office accuses him of preparing an explosion using a so-called Molotov cocktail, while the court imposed pre-trial detention on him as a preventive measure. Khomeriki does not plead guilty and states that the items referred to in the case did not belong to him. According to the defence, the video material presented does not enable the identification of the accused, while the expert report does not consider the seized substances to be explosive or flammable. According to the lawyer, the charge is based mainly on the search protocol.

Murad Gevorgyan was arrested by law enforcement officers in Tbilisi in a case related to the protest actions. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he is accused of throwing a burning object towards the Parliament building, as a result of which a fire broke out in the building.

An ambulance transferred A.T., who had been detained and beaten at the protest, from Tbilisi City Court to Ghudushauri Clinic. According to human rights defenders, while in the detention facility, the detained person complained of a severe headache; however, his health condition was left unattended and he was not transferred to hospital. The court hearing continued late into the night and, despite the deterioration of his health condition, the hearing was not postponed. A.T. was detained on 30 November during the dispersal of the protest and, according to available information, was placed in the detention facility in a beaten condition.

A member of “Girchi – More Freedom” and political activist Gela Khasaia was attacked near his home. According to him, three masked persons approached him from behind, struck him in the back, as a result of which he fell face-first onto gravel, and they hit him on the back, legs, and face. After the incident, an ambulance was called to the scene.

According to the Ministry of Health, on 2 December, against the background of the protest actions, ambulance teams transferred 26 persons to medical facilities. According to official data, among those hospitalized were 23 protest participants and 3 representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. According to the agency, some of the injured persons remained under doctors’ supervision in clinics, while some had already left medical facilities. According to the Ministry, none of the injured persons’ lives were in danger. It is noted that this statistic includes only those persons whose hospitalization was carried out by the Emergency Situations Coordination and Urgent Assistance Centre.

ISFED researcher Shota Narsia, who had been detained at the protest, was fined GEL 2,800 by the court. Narsia was detained on the morning of 1 December. According to the organization, the detention episode was accompanied by physical violence — he was hit from behind, dragged on the ground after falling, and later pressed against a wall. According to reported information, after the detention Narsia indicated both physical injuries and verbal abuse and psychological pressure.

3 December 2024

After the dispersal of the assembly in front of Parliament, the protest continued on Rustaveli Avenue. During the night, the situation periodically escalated. According to reports, police forces pursued demonstrators and used special means, including gas capsules. According to footage disseminated by the media, the use of gas capsules on Rustaveli Avenue was also recorded from the roofs of buildings, which requires particular attention from the perspective of safety.

In addition, according to reports, on 3 December, at approximately 03:00, in parallel with police operations taking place on Shevchenko Street, outdoor lighting was temporarily switched off on Rustaveli Avenue and in the surrounding area.

Anton Chechin, a Russian citizen, was arrested in Georgia in a criminal case related to the protest actions. He is accused of purchasing and possessing a large amount of narcotic substances, although he does not plead guilty. The defence points to inconsistencies in the evidence, including the absence of video evidence and possible violence during the arrest.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, charges were brought against three persons arrested in criminal proceedings in connection with the protest actions held near Parliament, and pre-trial detention was imposed on them as a preventive measure, including Giorgi Mindadze and Murad Gevorgyan. According to the agency, one accused person is alleged to have injured a law enforcement officer through the use of pyrotechnics, the second is alleged to have set fire to the surveillance system installed on the Parliament building, and the third is alleged to have damaged one of the rooms of Parliament as a result of a fire.

Twenty-two-year-old Aleksi Tirkia, who was injured during the protest action of 3 December, sustained serious injuries. He was placed in Ingorokva Clinic and was under medically induced sleep. According to doctors, the patient had an open scalp wound, fractures of the frontal bone and the upper wall of the eye socket, as well as a contusion injury of the frontal lobe and traumatic haemorrhage.

Persons detained at the protest on Rustaveli Avenue were transferred to Zahesi and various temporary detention facilities. According to lawyer Lasha Tkesheladze, some of the detained persons bear traces of physical violence. According to the lawyer, one of the detained persons is an 18-year-old musician who is a DJ. According to him, during the detention, law enforcement officers used violence against him: initially they hit him after he had fallen, and then the beating continued in the vehicle as well. According to Lasha Tkesheladze, the detained person has multiple injuries in the face and body areas, including around the eyes.

As of 3 December, according to the Public Defender’s Office, representatives of the Ombudsperson had visited a total of 201 persons, including a 21-year-old young person placed in Ingorokva University Clinic, whose serious health condition had been reported in the media. According to the Ombudsperson, on 1–3 December, they additionally visited 75 persons in temporary detention facilities and clinics in Tbilisi, Baghdati, Gori, and Zestaponi. Of these, 56 alleged ill-treatment by members of the special-purpose unit, while 44 detained persons had injuries of various kinds.

On 3 December, Davit Janjalia, the son of former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Teimuraz Janjalia, stated on social media that a physical attack against him and his family members was being planned. According to him, he had received this information from several sources at the same time and identified possible locations of the attack as both his residential environment and protest actions. Davit Janjalia linked this statement to his father’s resignation from office.

Teimuraz Janjalia resigned from his post on 30 November. On 1 December, Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the decision to dismiss him had been made by “Georgian Dream,” while Janjalia himself noted that his resignation was linked to recent developments — the government’s decision to suspend negotiations on accession to the European Union until 2028 and the mass protest actions that began against this background.

4 December 2024

During the protest action ongoing on Rustaveli Avenue on 3–4 December, from 23:30, the special-purpose unit began dispersing the assembly. Before that, at 22:23, the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the protest participants were carrying out unlawful actions, although as of 23:21 the majority of the protest participants on site were peaceful.

Special means were used in the process of dispersing the assembly, including water cannons and tear gas. Tear gas capsules were used in large quantities, including in places where demonstrators were densely gathered. Information was also disseminated about the use of special means from the roofs of buildings, including in the area surrounding the Rustaveli National Theatre. Some protest participants indicated the harmful effects of special means on their health.

In the early morning hours of 4 December, from approximately 03:29, the special-purpose unit continued dispersing the assembly in the direction of Rustaveli Square. During the same period, additional police forces were deployed on Republic Square. Cases of restrictions on the movement of protest participants were documented, including restrictions on the possibility to freely leave the area, the blocking of demonstrators’ movement, and their forced movement in specific directions. According to the legal aid network of non-governmental organizations, these events were also accompanied by cases of detention.

The organization “Rights Georgia” states that a 20-year-old citizen detained on 4 December was transferred from the court building to a clinic due to the deterioration of his health condition. According to the organization, while the detained person was held in the Dighomi detention facility for approximately 35 hours, he requested medical assistance; however, he was not transferred to a clinic. According to the defence, the young person’s condition deteriorated during the court hearing, after which emergency medical assistance was called by the lawyer. The organization points to possible ill-treatment during detention and while being held in the detention facility. The position of official agencies on this matter is not presented in the statement.

Persons detained on Rustaveli Avenue were transferred to Zahesi and various temporary detention facilities. According to lawyer Lasha Tkesheladze, some of the detained persons had physical injuries. According to him, one of the detained persons visited in the Zahesi detention facility, an 18-year-old musician, had injuries on his body. According to the lawyer, the detained person indicated possible physical violence during detention. Tkesheladze stated that the young person had multiple injuries in the face and body areas.

Archil Museliantsi was arrested by the Patrol Police on charges of damaging property. According to the agency, he intentionally damaged video surveillance cameras located in Mziuri Park. The investigation is ongoing under Article 187, paragraph 1, of the Criminal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to 5 years.

Vepkhia Kasradze was arrested on charges of organizing and leading group violence. At the moment of arrest, he was carrying out renovation work in one of the apartments; the police asked on site who Vepkhia Kasradze was, after which he identified himself and peacefully surrendered to law enforcement officers. On the same day, a search was conducted at his residential home, where family members were present. According to the family, law enforcement officers were searching for weapons, although no such items were found.

Vasil Kadzelashvili was arrested at his residential home on charges of organizing and leading group violence. According to family members, a large number of police forces participated in the operation. In parallel with the arrest, a search was conducted, within which, according to the family, law enforcement officers were searching for weapons, although no such items were found.

On 4 December, at 18:58, a search was conducted in the residential apartment of Zviad Tsetskhladze, founder of “Dafioni.” According to reports, investigative actions continued for several hours, while the lawyer was allowed into the apartment only after the decision to arrest him had been made. Law enforcement officers removed gas masks, clothing, and spray devices from the apartment. Zviad Tsetskhladze is charged with an offence provided for under Article 225 of the Criminal Code, which concerns organizing, leading, or participating in group violence.

On 4 December, in the group violence case, Nikoloz Javakhishvili, Giorgi Gorgadze, Tornike Goshadze, Irakli Miminoshvili, and Insaf Aliev were arrested in criminal proceedings. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, they were participants and perpetrators of the group violence plan, the organization of which the agency alleges against Vasil Kadzelashvili, Vepkhia Kasradze, and Zviad Tsetskhladze. The cases concerning these persons have been joined into one set of proceedings and the court will consider them together.

The police also conducted a search at the residential home of Ilia State University lecturer Saba Jajania. According to his wife, Ana Kvanchilashvili, law enforcement officers entered the apartment to conduct investigative actions. Ana Kvanchilashvili stated that, in parallel, police officers also went to her mother’s home, where, according to her, the search was preceded by a threat to force open the door. According to the family, after the incident, the mother’s health condition deteriorated and it became necessary to call emergency medical assistance. Lawyer Tamar Gurchiani wrote that the search in Saba Jajania’s apartment was conducted on the basis of an investigator’s decree, on the grounds of urgent necessity, without a witness or a lawyer. According to her, before arriving on site, the lawyer did not participate in the search process.

A search was conducted at the residential home of Ilia Ghlonti, an activist and member of “Daitove.” After the investigative action was completed, law enforcement officers sealed and removed his mobile phone and laptop. According to reports, no unlawful items were removed from the residence. “Daitove” is one of the largest Facebook groups, uniting more than 236,000 people. Protests against “Georgian Dream” are actively discussed in the group.

After Ilia Ghlonti, a search was also conducted at the residential home of the group’s founder, Nancy Woland / Kristina Botkoveli. As a result of investigative actions that continued for several hours, a gas mask, pepper spray, and a mobile phone were seized from the apartment.

Law enforcement officers entered the office of the “Nabiji” movement on Rustaveli Avenue, where a search was conducted as an urgent measure. According to disseminated footage, the investigator explained that the basis for the investigative action was an assumption that unlawful items or substances might be stored in the office.

According to party representatives, a search was conducted at the office of the “United National Movement,” during which, according to them, law enforcement officers did not present a search warrant or a court ruling and also refused to allow lawyers to enter. According to them, various items were seized from the office, including flags and saline solutions. After the search was completed, the police took five persons — Davit Gedenidze, Vakhtang Gagnidze, Irakli Ardia, Saba Birkaia, and Mishiko Janikashvili — for questioning.

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze referred to the statement disseminated by City Hall employees, in which they distanced themselves from the suspension of negotiations on accession to the European Union, as an “attempted sabotage.” Ultimately, 229 employees signed the petition.

Kaladze stated that such actions “would not remain unanswered” and that a response would be made within the framework of the law. He made an analogous assessment on 1 December as well, when he mentioned reorganization in this context.

Non-governmental organizations expressed concern that reorganization could become a mechanism of indirect pressure and affect the freedom of expression of public servants.

On 4 December, cases of mass checks and control of citizens heading to the protest were documented in the upper concourses of the “Freedom Square” and “Rustaveli” metro stations and in the surrounding areas. According to disseminated footage, law enforcement officers stopped citizens, checked them, and opened their personal belongings, which hindered movement towards the assembly site.

According to the assessment of the Social Justice Centre, this practice goes beyond the framework of a surface check defined by law, as such actions require individual legal grounds and do not include the opening of personal belongings. The organization indicates that such actions may be assessed as a form of psychological pressure on citizens and calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to act within the law.

5 December 2024

Irakli Ardia, Saba Birkaia, and Vakho Gagnidze were detained during the search of the UNM office. Later, the court sentenced them to administrative detention: Irakli Ardia to 7 days, Saba Birkaia to 7 days, and Vakho Gagnidze to 14 days.

Zurab Datunashvili was detained under administrative-offence proceedings under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, which concern petty hooliganism and disobedience to a lawful order of a police officer. According to his lawyer, during the detention and the process of transfer to the detention facility, physical violence was used against Datunashvili, as a result of which he had injuries.

On 5 December, in Kutaisi, several demonstrators were injured as a result of a scuffle with the police during the protest action. According to local media, law enforcement officers detained one minor, who was transferred to a temporary detention facility. According to reports, the detention process was accompanied by tension; protest participants objected to the removal of the minor, although the police removed him from the perimeter through the use of force and transferred him to a temporary detention facility. According to media reports, the detention was allegedly linked to the use of light pyrotechnics in the direction of police officers.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Saba Jikia was arrested on charges of assaulting the police. According to the agency, during the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue, he, armed with a knife, attacked an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with the aim of causing injury to health. The investigation is ongoing under Article 353¹, paragraph 1, of the Criminal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to 7 years.

Saba Skhvitaridze was arrested late at night in connection with the confrontation that took place on Freedom Square. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, he attacked employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs with a baton and inflicted a head injury; Skhvitaridze has been charged under Article 353¹, paragraph 2, of the Criminal Code, which concerns harm to the health of a police officer and provides for imprisonment from 7 to 11 years. According to information later disseminated by the detained person, he was physically abused at the Dighomi Main Division. Saba Skhvitaridze, a member of “Coalition for Change” and a political activist, was stopped at night by the Patrol Police, handcuffed, and detained. According to him, the body camera was turned on only for several seconds and was then turned off, while a family member was not given the opportunity to contact a lawyer. As he describes, after being transferred to the Tbilisi Main Division, law enforcement officers took him to the fifth floor, where, as soon as the investigators left the room, masked persons entered. The detained person says that they began physical violence, hitting him in the head and body areas, as a result of which he periodically lost consciousness. According to him, the violence later continued, including after being taken to another floor, where he again speaks of beating and pressure by masked persons. The detained person notes that his injuries were recorded, although pressure to give testimony continued. Skhvitaridze did not sign the protocol.

Anzor / Anri Kvaratskhelia was arrested at his home on 5 December. According to family members, law enforcement officers entered the house by force. According to them, during the arrest, physical force was used against Anri and his family members: they were kicked, while Anri was taken out of the house wearing only underwear. According to him, the persons present on site swore at and threatened him. The Prosecutor’s Office claims that Kvaratskhelia attacked an employee of the Special Tasks Department and threw a so-called Molotov cocktail, which provides for imprisonment from 4 to 7 years. The court imposed pre-trial detention on him as a preventive measure. According to family members and the lawyer, despite their request, law enforcement officers did not present a search or arrest warrant, while entry into the house was violent. Kvaratskhelia’s wife states that the police officers behaved aggressively, verbally abused them, and also touched them physically. According to her, one of the law enforcement officers grabbed her by the throat, demanded that she put down her phone, and, against the background of resistance, Kvaratskhelia was removed from the apartment through the use of force — in effect, dragged out.

Twenty-eight-year-old theatre and film actor Andro Chichinadze was arrested at his home on 5 December 2024. According to family members, a large number of police officers were mobilized at the residential address, while some media outlets disseminated footage of the arrest. The official charge in the case is linked to the events that developed near Parliament on the night of 29 November. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Andro participated in the actions of a violent group, which was expressed in throwing various objects, including a stick, in the direction of law enforcement officers. He is accused of participating in group violence.

Onise Tskhadadze was arrested in Terjola, at the family home. According to relatives, a large number of police officers participated in the operation. He is currently in pre-trial detention. If the charge is proven, he faces 4 to 6 years’ imprisonment. He is accused of participating in group violence.

Guram Mirtskhulava was stopped by the police on 5 December, near his home. According to the family, four police cars were waiting for him; a search was also conducted in his residential apartment, although no items were seized as a result of the investigative actions. The Prosecutor’s Office accuses Guram Mirtskhulava of participating in group violence and throwing a heavy object at police officers. On 7 December, the court imposed pre-trial detention on him as a preventive measure. According to the defence, the main evidence of the prosecution is a 14-second video recording, which is not a continuous shot and consists of several segments. According to the lawyer’s assessment, the recording does not show that Mirtskhulava is throwing any object in the direction of the police; according to the lawyer’s assumption, the smoky object shown in the footage may be a gas capsule. According to the defence, no other evidence is presented in the case.

On 5 December, in the context of protest actions in Tbilisi, Ukrainian citizens, 27-year-old Serhii Kukharchuk and Ruslan Sivakov, were arrested; the investigation accuses them of participating in organized group violence. According to the charge, Ruslan Sivakov is accused of throwing a stone, while Serhii Kukharchuk is accused of throwing empty glass and plastic bottles. The defence denies the existence of a group element and states that the video material does not confirm intentional violence or the infliction of damage.

Jano Archaia is one of the accused persons in the so-called case of eleven persons, in which the Prosecutor’s Office accuses him of participating in group violence. According to the formulation of the charge, the case concerns events that developed during protest actions and includes episodes of violence and damage to property; however, according to the defence, the case does not reveal evidence confirming physical violence or specific damage caused by Archaia. Archaia denies the charges and states that he did not participate in organized group action.

As of 5 December, according to the Public Defender, representatives of the Ombudsperson had visited 260 detained and injured persons. Of these, 188 citizens alleged ill-treatment by the police. According to the Public Defender’s Office, visits were carried out both in temporary detention facilities and in civilian clinics in various cities of Georgia. The statement emphasizes that a significant number of detained persons speak of violence and ill-treatment.

6 December 2024

On the night of 6–7 December, the ninth night of the legitimate pro-European protest, from 00:33, the special-purpose unit began dispersing the protest action on Rustaveli Avenue and in the area surrounding Parliament. By approximately 00:40, the special-purpose unit had occupied the area in front of Parliament. Special means were used in the process, including tear gas, water cannons, and pepper spray. Cases of restrictions on the movement of protest participants were documented, including restrictions on the possibility to leave the area.

After the dispersal began, additional police forces were deployed on Republic Square. According to reports, cases of pursuit and detention were recorded against persons moving away from the protest. Throughout the night, information about 51 detained persons was received through the hotline of civil society organizations. Reports were also disseminated about the practice of checking and searching citizens at the “Freedom Square” metro station.

By 00:45, after police forces occupied other exits from the area surrounding the Opera House, protest participants moved from Rustaveli Avenue through Tarkhnishvili Street towards the embankment, where they were confronted by unknown persons armed with firearms. The faces of the attackers are clearly visible in the footage; therefore, their identification is easily possible. However, previous experience in similar cases raises doubts regarding the expectation of an effective and timely investigation.

According to the Public Defender, 19-year-old Sandro Bukia, who was detained by the police during the dispersal of the protest action on Rustaveli Avenue on 6 December, was released. According to the family, after the detention, the young man was released on the basis of a written undertaking. According to his mother, Sandro Bukia has epilepsy, about which she informed law enforcement officers on site during the detention.

According to family members, after his release the young man had injuries in various areas of the body. A detailed explanation from official agencies regarding the incident is not known at this time.

Luka Jabua was arrested on 6 December on charges of group violence in connection with the protest actions and faces 4 to 6 years’ imprisonment. According to the defence, before the court proceedings Luka did not know the persons together with whom he is accused of group action, and the case does not contain a specific description of any violent act on his part. According to the lawyer, only video recordings and investigative protocols are presented as evidence, in which no unlawful action is evident.

The Prosecutor’s Office charged Giorgi Terashvili with organizing and leading group violence, participating in group violence, and preparing an explosion. According to the agency, the charge is linked to the events that developed during the ongoing protests on Rustaveli Avenue, where the investigation points to the organization of violence and damage to property. The case has been initiated under Articles 225 and 18, 229 of the Criminal Code, which provide for imprisonment of up to 9 years. In the group violence case, together with Giorgi Terashvili, there are ten other persons: Andro Chichinadze, Onise Tskhadadze, Guram Mirtskhulava, Luka Jabua, Jano Archaia, Ruslan Sivakov, Rezo Kiknadze, Valeri Tetrashvili, Serhii Kukharchuk, and Irakli Kerashvili.

Rezo Kiknadze is accused in a criminal case of participating in group violence under Article 225 of the Criminal Code, for which he is in pre-trial detention and faces 4 to 6 years’ imprisonment. Kiknadze denies the charge. According to the defence, there are significant inconsistencies in the case, including regarding the place of arrest: official materials indicate Lisi Lake, while witnesses confirm the arrest near “University” metro station. According to the lawyer, important video evidence was not retrieved in a timely manner, as a result of which the recordings were destroyed. In the group violence case, together with Rezo Kiknadze, there are ten other persons: Andro Chichinadze, Onise Tskhadadze, Guram Mirtskhulava, Luka Jabua, Jano Archaia, Ruslan Sivakov, Giorgi Terashvili, Valeri Tetrashvili, Serhii Kukharchuk, and Irakli Kerashvili. In a letter disseminated from the detention facility, Revaz Kiknadze stated that he had started a hunger strike. According to him, during questioning, he was asked to name persons who allegedly “financed” him, including Zurab Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, and Nika Gvaramia. Kiknadze writes that such information does not correspond to the truth and that he refused to give false testimony. In the letter disseminated by his lawyer, Kiknadze assesses his arrest as unlawful and points to psychological pressure. According to him, it was for this reason that he made the decision to start a hunger strike.

Irakli Kerashvili is a member of the group of eleven persons arrested on charges of group violence during the protest actions. He also faces 4 to 6 years’ imprisonment. The case materials state that Irakli Kerashvili is charged with participating in group violence, “which was accompanied by violence, disorder, damage and destruction of another person’s property, the use of weapons, resistance to and assault on a representative of the authorities through the use of weapons.” The case is based mainly on reports of police officers. Irakli’s lawyer, Revaz Vacharadze, says that the case contains no evidence of any of the above-listed acts that would show that Irakli Kerashvili damaged anything or anyone, or that Irakli Kerashvili was connected to other arrested persons.

Tbilisi City Court imposed pre-trial detention as a preventive measure on eight accused persons in a case related to the protest actions. The decision was made by Judge Irakli Khuskivadze, while the state prosecution was represented by Vazha Todua and Shmagi Gobejishvili. Pre-trial detention was imposed on Vepkhia Kasradze, Vasil Kadzelashvili, Giorgi Gorgadze, Irakli Miminoshvili, Isak Aliev, Tornike Goshadze, Zviad Tsetskhladze, and Nikoloz Javakhishvili. The Prosecutor’s Office accuses them of acts provided for under Articles 225 and 18, 229 of the Criminal Code — organizing and participating in group violence, as well as preparing an explosion — which provide for imprisonment of up to 9 years.

Of the five members of the youth wing of the UNM, three were sentenced to administrative detention, and one was fined GEL 3,000. Specifically, Irakli Ardia was sentenced to 7 days’ detention, Vakho Gagnidze to 14 days’ detention, Saba Birkaia to 7 days’ detention, while Mishiko Janikashvili was fined GEL 3,000. The five members of the youth wing of the UNM were detained by the police on 4 December, when the police arrived to search the office.

7 December 2024

Tsotne Koberidze, a member of “Girchi – More Freedom” and a political activist, was detained during the dispersal of the protest action on Rustaveli Avenue, although he was released shortly afterwards. According to him, after the detention, law enforcement officers physically assaulted him, beat him, and took his phone. Koberidze also indicates incidents of swearing and degrading treatment.

Beatrice Gazdeliani was detained at the protest on 7 December. According to Beatrice Gazdeliani, she was subjected to degrading and insulting treatment at the police station. According to her, law enforcement officers were recording video, and masked officers addressed her with comments impairing her personal dignity. Gazdeliani explained that these actions were perceived as psychological pressure and an attempted blackmail.

Actor Giorgi Makharadze was reportedly physically assaulted by masked individuals during protest-related events. According to Makharadze, police officers were present and observed the violence but did not intervene. In a video circulated publicly, Makharadze addressed a police officer, stating that the officer had watched while around 30 persons beat him with batons, and called on the police to protect demonstrators. This incident was cited as one of the examples raising concerns regarding the lack of police response to violence by informal groups.

Giorgi Bregvadze was detained on 7 December, at midnight, in the vicinity of Parliament. According to him, special-purpose officers physically assaulted him and took his mobile phone during the search. According to him, after the phone was taken, the device was not returned. Bregvadze notes that the seized iPhone 15 Pro Max had been purchased by him in installments and that he still has to continue paying for it. Before being transferred to the detention facility, at the police station, he was informed that the agency was responsible only for those items that are officially recorded as belonging to the detained person at the moment of admission.

Former Deputy Minister of Economy Nikoloz Alavidze and his son, Vako Alavidze, were detained during the protest action. According to reports, the detention took place in the vicinity of Parliament.

Saba Tsimintia was detained near Tbilisi City Court. According to eyewitnesses, he was taken by the police from the area surrounding the court when he was attending Luka Jabua’s hearing together with friends. According to reports, the moment of detention was also recorded by video cameras located on site.

Nineteen-year-old Sandro Bukia, who has epilepsy, was detained on the night of 7 December. He was released shortly after the detention on the basis of a written undertaking; however, according to the family, he had multiple injuries to the head, face, and body. According to relatives, despite the fact that his mother warned law enforcement officers about his health condition, this circumstance was not taken into account. According to Bukia’s uncle, the young man became a victim of physical violence and his condition raises particular concern.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the situation at the protest action of 7 December became violent, because of which the agency used special means provided for by law. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 48 persons were detained under Articles 166 and 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences, on allegations of disobedience to a lawful order of a police officer and petty hooliganism.

Valeri Tetrashvili is detained in the so-called case of the eleven persons on charges of participating in group violence, which provides for imprisonment from 4 to 6 years. He does not plead guilty and exercises the right to remain silent at court hearings. According to the defence, the case contains one video recording in which Tetrashvili picks up already-used pyrotechnics lying on the ground and throws it; however, according to the lawyer, the footage does not confirm violence, harm, or damage to property. The lawyer indicates that Tetrashvili was present at the protest only once and did not know the other accused persons before the court proceedings.

Tedo Abramovi was arrested on 7 December 2024. According to the investigation’s version, 4.4 grams of MDMA were seized from him during the search, because of which he was charged under Article 260 of the Criminal Code, which provides for imprisonment from 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment. Abramovi does not plead guilty. The defence states that there is no video evidence or neutral witness in the case and points to procedural violations. According to the lawyer, the items that he had with him at the time of arrest are not listed among the seized items, while the drug test did not confirm the presence of narcotic substances in Tedo’s body. According to the defence’s assessment, the case is based mainly on the statements of police officers.

On 8 December, Tbilisi City Court Judge Davit Mgeliashvili imposed two months of pre-trial detention as a preventive measure on 18-year-old Saba Jikia, who had been detained at the ongoing protest in Tbilisi. Jikia was arrested on 5 December on charges of assaulting a police officer. According to the investigation’s version, he kicked a law enforcement officer, which provides for imprisonment of up to 7 years. The defence indicates that the use of a knife does not appear in the charging decision, despite the fact that the Prosecutor’s Office emphasized this circumstance at the hearing, while the “shiny object” visible in the video has not been identified.

On the same day, the court also imposed two months of pre-trial detention on Anzor Kvaratskhelia. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, he is charged with throwing a so-called Molotov cocktail towards law enforcement officers during the protest. According to the lawyer, the arrest protocol was drawn up only after Kvaratskhelia had been taken from his home, which, in the defence’s assessment, calls into question the lawfulness of the arrest; the court did not grant the request for alternative bail.

Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili imposed pre-trial detention as a preventive measure on Jano Archaia, Onise Tskhadadze, Ukrainian citizen Ruslan Sivakov, Guram Mirtskhulava, Luka Jabua, and Andro Chichinadze. The accused were charged under Article 225 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns organizing, leading, or participating in group violence. This article provides for imprisonment from 4 to 9 years.

8 December 2024

The cases of persons detained at the protest action were examined at Tbilisi City Court. “Bookshelf” participants Nika Beridze and Tengo Svanidze were released from the courtroom with verbal warnings. The judge imposed a GEL 2,300 fine on Sandro Metreveli.

Nika Beridze, a “Bookshelf” participant detained under administrative-offence proceedings, was released on the basis of a verbal warning at the hearing held at Tbilisi City Court. According to him, before the detention, he was on the sidewalk and had not received any warning from law enforcement officers. Tengo Svanidze, who had been detained under administrative-offence proceedings, was released on the basis of a verbal warning at the hearing held at Tbilisi City Court. According to him, before the detention, he was on the sidewalk and had not received any warning from law enforcement officers.

The court imposed a GEL 2,300 fine on Sandro Metreveli, who had been detained under administrative-offence proceedings. According to the lawyer, physical violence was used against him during the detention and he had injuries. According to the defence, in the case Sandro Metreveli was accused of resistance to a police officer and petty hooliganism. According to Sandro Metreveli’s lawyer, Nino Lominadze, physical violence was used against her client during the detention, as a result of which he had injuries on his body. According to the lawyer, information regarding this fact has already been provided to the investigative body.

According to relatives, Lasha Gogebashvili was detained at night after his vehicle was blocked. It later became known that he had been transferred to the Dighomi detention facility. Family members assume that the detention may be related to the episode of hanging a flag on the New Year tree near Parliament.

Giorgi Akhobadze, an active participant in the protest, was arrested on 8 December, in the early morning hours, on Tamar Mepe Avenue in Tbilisi. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, he had unlawfully purchased and stored more than 3 grams of the narcotic substance “Alpha-PVP,” which Akhobadze himself denies and states that the substance was planted by police officers. According to the defence, the search was conducted without the relevant procedural documentation and video recording, while only police officers’ testimonies are presented as evidence in the case. According to the lawyer, the court did not grant the motion to obtain video recordings. Akhobadze links the charge to political motivation and points to his active participation in protest actions.

Nika Katsia, an active participant in the protest, was arrested on 8 December. According to the lawyer, he was stopped near his home, taken to another area, and searched; however, initially, no prohibited substance was found. Katsia himself states that the narcotic substance was planted by police officers and indicates ill-treatment during the arrest. The charge against him concerns possession of a large amount of narcotic substances, which, if proven, provides for imprisonment from 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment. The court imposed pre-trial detention as a preventive measure, despite the defence’s motion for bail. According to Katsia’s friends, he was going from home to Rustaveli Avenue, to the pro-Western protest.

The court imposed pre-trial detention as a preventive measure on Revaz Kiknadze, who had been arrested within the framework of the protests. Kiknadze has been charged under Article 225 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns organizing, leading, or participating in group violence and provides for imprisonment from 4 to 9 years. In a letter disseminated on 6 December, Kiknadze stated that pressure was being exerted on him and that he was being asked to give false testimony; in response, he declared a hunger strike.

According to information disseminated by the media, several civil and political activists were summoned to the criminal police for questioning as witnesses. Among those summoned for questioning were activists Makuna Gochiashvili, Ana Subeliani, and Mariam Kvaratskhelia, as well as Rondeli Foundation researcher Vato Bzhalava. According to their public explanations, the summons is connected to an ongoing investigation under Articles 225 and 239¹ of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

According to additional reports, Ani Kavtaradze, a member of “Coalition for Change” and political activist, and civil activists Albi Kordzaia and Giorgi Romelashvili were summoned for questioning on the same grounds. According to public statements, the summoned persons did not plan to appear at the police and expressed readiness to give testimony before a magistrate judge.

In addition, TikToker Tako Lochoshvili stated that she had been summoned for questioning to the criminal police after excerpts cut from her live broadcast were disseminated on social media, in the “Anti-Maidan” group. According to her, an “Imedi” journalist also disseminated those excerpts. Later, according to Lochoshvili, she was informed by the police that she had been summoned for questioning in connection with her posts.

9 December 2024

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, five persons were arrested in Batumi on charges of group violence, on the basis of a judge’s ruling. Among those arrested are Mamuka Jorbenadze, professor and dean at Batumi Art Teaching University, as well as students Guram Mikeladze, Davit Gvianidze, Giorgi Davitadze, and Andro Kakabadze.

According to the agency, the case concerns the protest action held on 3 December, during which, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ version, a verbal and physical confrontation took place inside the university building. The investigation is ongoing under Article 126¹, paragraph 1, of the Criminal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to 2 years.

Twenty-three-year-old Daniel Mumladze was arrested on 9 December. He is charged with damaging 112 surveillance cameras, which provides for imprisonment from 3 to 6 years. The accused remains in pre-trial detention, despite his confession, remorse, and readiness to compensate the damage. According to the defence, under these circumstances, the use of detention has a punitive character. According to the case file, the accused states that damaging the cameras had not been his aim.

According to Irakli Chomakhashvili, lawyer of Saba Skhvitaridze, a member of “Coalition for Change” and political activist, Skhvitaridze is being held in Rustavi Penitentiary Establishment No. 6 under strict-regime conditions, while the cell is unsanitary. According to the lawyer, compared with other persons arrested in the same cases, the transfer of only Skhvitaridze to strict-regime conditions without any justification raises additional questions regarding the aims and proportionality of the decision. According to Chomakhashvili, after the arrest, physical violence was used against Skhvitaridze in the police building, as a result of which he has injuries. The lawyer explains that his account refers to beatings by masked persons.

10 December 2024

Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili imposed 2 months of pre-trial detention as a preventive measure on former journalist Nika Katsia. Nika Katsia was charged under Article 260, paragraph 6(a), of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns the purchase and possession of a particularly large quantity of narcotic substances. If convicted under this article, the penalty provides for imprisonment from 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment.

According to lawyer Nino Lominadze, law enforcement officers arrested Katsia near his home, transferred him to another location, and searched him; however, according to her, no prohibited substance was seized as a result of the search. According to relatives, at the time of his arrest, Nika Katsia was on his way to the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue.

Doctor Giorgi Akhobadze was placed in pre-trial detention for 2 months as a preventive measure by Tbilisi City Court Judge Lela Maridashvili. He was charged under Article 260, paragraph 6, of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concerns the unlawful purchase and possession of a particularly large quantity of narcotic substances. If convicted under this article, the penalty provides for imprisonment from 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment. According to the defence, Giorgi Akhobadze does not plead guilty and alleges that police officers planted the narcotic substance on him during the arrest. According to the lawyers, no video evidence is presented in the case, despite the fact that, under the applicable standard, video recording of the search process is mandatory. Giorgi Akhobadze was arrested on the night of 7–8 December, while returning home from the protest action held on Rustaveli Avenue.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in the context of protest actions, V.T., born in 1997, was arrested and is accused of participating in group violence. According to the agency, the accused did not comply with law enforcement officers and threw various objects. The investigation is ongoing under Article 225, paragraph 2, of the Criminal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to 6 years.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the investigation into the events ongoing on Rustaveli Avenue continues under several articles. Approximately 40 persons have been arrested under the Criminal Code.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, on 10 December, on the 13th night of the protest, 6 persons were detained under administrative-offence proceedings, as the agency confirmed to “Publika.” According to available data, in connection with the ongoing protest actions from 28 November to 10 December, approximately 40 persons have been arrested under the Criminal Code, while more than 400 persons have been detained under administrative-offence proceedings

TV Pirveli journalist Giorgi Mamniashvili was detained while carrying out his professional duties

On November 22, during a protest in Tbilisi, near Ingorokva Street, “TV Pirveli” journalist Giorgi Mamniashvili was detained. According to the television company, the journalist was performing his professional duties at the time of his arrest and was covering the protest. For several hours, the “TV Pirveli” newsroom was unable to get in touch with him.

At the moment of his detention, Mamniashvili was filming the police arresting other protesters on his mobile phone and sending the footage to the newsroom, when officers attempted to seize his phone. Shortly after, they ordered his arrest. In the video recorded by Mamniashvili, he can be heard telling the police that he is a journalist and is carrying out his professional duties.

According to the journalist’s lawyer, after the arrest, Mamniashvili was treated in a degrading and humiliating manner at the Dighomi pre-trial detention facility. Specifically, for several hours, his hands were cuffed behind his back, he was fully stripped, and forced to perform so-called “squats.”

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze described the practice of strip-searching detainees upon admission to the detention facility as “a required procedure to document any possible injuries.” Public Defender Levan Ioseliani, however, calls the strip-searching of detainees “degrading and humiliating treatment.”

“The case of Giorgi Mamniashvili is a clear example of the repressive policies of Georgian Dream, aimed at restricting independent media and silencing critical voices,” the Media Advocacy Coalition stated.

The Azerbaijani journalist, Afghan Sadygov, was sentenced to prison for the second time under the pretext of blocking a road

On November 12, 2025, Afghan Sadygov, an Azerbaijani journalist residing in Georgia, was sentenced to administrative imprisonment for the second time under the pretext of blocking a road—he will spend 7 days in prison. He is accused of blocking the road on October 19-21, 2025. Afghan Sadygov had already been imprisoned once on the same charge, having been sentenced to 14 days of administrative imprisonment. At that time, the exiled journalist was accused of blocking the road on October 18.

According to the “Social Justice Center,” the organization defending Sadygov’s interests, at the time of Afghan Sadygov’s first detention, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) already knew that the journalist would stand on the roadway during the protest on subsequent days, but did not merge the cases: “This circumstance once again indicates that the MIA intentionally did not appeal to the court regarding the remaining days, so that the court would have the opportunity to apply administrative imprisonment against Afghan Sadygov twice. It is obvious that the MIA is trying to make an example of an activist actively involved in the protests by punishing him through the court.”

Since October 19, 2025, after the “Georgian Dream” parliament adopted another set of repressive changes under an accelerated procedure, 13 media representatives have been detained for participating in, and in some cases covering, the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. Administrative imprisonment was applied to most of them.

“MediaChecker” journalist Ninia Kakabadze was arrested while covering a protest rally

On November 3, 2025, the police arrested Ninia Kakabadze, a journalist for the Media Platform “Media Checker” of the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics. That day, the journalist was at the rally with a press identification badge; she was performing her professional duties. Ninia Kakabadze was arrested while returning home. She was taken to the building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Tbilisi. The journalist recounts that for a long time, she was not allowed to call her minor child. The journalist was released a few hours after the arrest. Ninia Kakabadze is accused of artificially blocking the road. The Tbilisi City Court started deliberation on her case on November 4, but postponed the hearing until November 12.

Since October 19, 2025, after the “Georgian Dream” parliament adopted another set of repressive changes through an accelerated procedure, 11 media representatives have been arrested for participating in, and in some cases covering, the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. Administrative imprisonment was applied to most of them.

The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics considers the arrest of Ninia Kakabadze and other journalists while performing their professional duties as an attempt to pressure independent media and suppress critical voices. The Charter demands the immediate cessation of administrative proceedings against its media platform “Media Checker’s” journalist, Ninia Kakabadze, and the annulment of the drawn-up administrative offense protocol.

TV Formula founder and director Giorgi Liponava arrested for participating in a protest

On October 24, 2025, the founder and director of TV Formula, Giorgi Liponava, was arrested for participating in a protest. He was sentenced to three days of administrative detention.

Giorgi Liponava, along with other detained citizens, including media representatives, is accused of blocking the road.

The Georgian Dream party has fast-tracked legislative amendments that significantly restrict freedom of assembly and expression. According to the amendments, administrative detention of up to 15 days, without the option of a fine, is imposed for wearing a mask at a rally, possessing tear gas, or blocking the road. In addition, judges will no longer have the right to impose fines as an administrative penalty in cases of administrative offenses.

The detention of journalists by the Georgian Dream party is a direct attack on freedom of the media and expression. “Under such conditions, the activities of independent media face serious threats, which significantly limits the right to information in a democratic society,” the Media Advocacy Coalition said in a statement.

Writer and host of one of TV Formula’s programs, Zviad Kvaratskhelia, was arrested for participating in a protest

On October 24, 2025, Zviad Kvaratskhelia, a writer, publisher, and editor-in-chief of Intellect, was arrested for participating in a protest. The court sentenced him to three days of administrative detention.

Zviad Kvaratskhelia, along with other detained citizens, including media representatives, is accused of blocking a road.

The Georgian Dream party has expedited legislative amendments that significantly restrict freedom of assembly and expression. According to the amendments, administrative detention of up to 15 days, without the option of a fine, is imposed for wearing a mask at a rally, possessing tear gas, or blocking a road. In addition, judges will no longer have the right to impose fines as an administrative penalty in cases of administrative offenses.

“The arrest of journalists by Georgian Dream is a direct attack on freedom of the media and expression. Under such conditions, the activities of independent media face serious threats, which significantly restricts the right of a democratic society to be informed,” the Media Advocacy Coalition said in a statement.

Another employee of TV “Formula,” Nika Pataraia was arrested

On October 25, 2025, TV company “Formula’s” cameraman Nika Pataraia was detained. The court sentenced Pataraia to 4 days of administrative detention for blocking the road.

A total of 7 journalists/cameramen have been detained for blocking the road, including 4 representatives of TV company “Formula.”

The new legislative changes adopted by “Georgian Dream” significantly restrict freedom of assembly and expression. Citizens and activists are also being arrested for participating in the pro-European protest.