Detention

Shota Odishvili, Detained over an Inscription on His T-shirt, Was Sentenced to 15 Days of Administrative Detention

Judge Nino Enukidze imposed 15 days of administrative detention on Shota Odishvili, who was detained over an inscription on his T-shirt. According to lawyer Giorgi Tabatadze, Odishvili has been transferred to the Gurjaani temporary detention isolator. Shota Odishvili is an active participant in protest rallies. He was detained on 23 August near the Government Administration, after leaving a rally held on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi.

According to the lawyer, Odishvili was sitting in an elevated area in front of the Government Administration and playing Sudoku on his phone. Tabatadze says Odishvili did not communicate with police officers; however, law enforcement officers later accused him of insulting the police.

According to the lawyer, an administrative offence report was drawn up against Odishvili under Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offences – petty hooliganism – over the inscription on his T-shirt, and under Article 173 – disobedience to a lawful order of the police – on the basis of alleged verbal insults against police officers. Tabatadze says there is no evidence in the case proving that Odishvili verbally insulted police officers.

Tornike Toshkhua Detained Again near the City Assembly over a Banner

On 31 July, civil activist Tornike Toshkhua was detained near the Tbilisi City Assembly building. He was holding a sheet of paper reading: “Is Bidzina not a d***/is he?”

According to circulated video footage, during the detention Toshkhua asked police officers to explain the grounds for his detention. In the footage, police can be heard citing “hooliganism” as the basis for the detention. Later, the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed to Radio Liberty that Tornike Toshkhua had been detained under administrative procedure for an “insulting banner,” on the basis of Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offences – petty hooliganism.

Tornike Toshkhua had also been detained by police on 26 July near the Tbilisi City Assembly building, also over an “insulting banner.” At that time, he was holding a sheet of paper reading: “Is Bidzina a d***? Yes or No.” Following his detention, nine more citizens were detained near the City Assembly in solidarity. In the cases of those detained on 26 July, the court imposed administrative detention on some of them and administrative fines on others. Toshkhua himself was fined GEL 3,000 by Judge Zviad Tsekvava.

Toshkhua had previously also been detained under criminal procedure and left prison several weeks ago.

On 2 August, Judge Tornike Kapanadze imposed 5 days of administrative detention on Tornike Toshkhua.

Activist Nodar Tsitsarishvili, Detained near the City Assembly, Transferred to Gori Temporary Detention Isolator

Civil activist Nodar Tsitsarishvili, who was detained near the Tbilisi City Assembly, has been transferred to the Gori temporary detention isolator. Tsitsarishvili was detained on 28 July at a rally held at Freedom Square, where citizens were expressing solidarity with activists detained near the City Assembly on 26 July. The rally participants were holding banners with an answer to the question posed on Tornike Toshkhua’s banner, over which police detained 10 citizens on 26 July.

Lawyer Marika Arevadze stated that the detentions of citizens in recent days are unfounded and, in reality, do not constitute administrative offences but amount to persecution for the expression of free opinion. “Over the past two days, we have actively witnessed unfounded detentions, and in reality, this is not an administrative offence, but persecution for the expression of free opinion,” Arevadze said.

According to her, placing activists and citizens detained in the context of demonstrations in temporary detention isolators for 48 hours has become a practice. Arevadze explained that if the case is not submitted to court and the detainees are not brought before the court before the expiry of the 48-hour period, they must be released immediately.

In Cases of Persons Detained near the City Assembly on 26 July, Four Remained in Detention and Five Were Fined

On 28 July, late at night, the court concluded the hearings in the cases of 10 persons detained near the Tbilisi City Assembly on 26 July. The cases were heard by Judges Zviad Tsekvava and Tornike Kapanadze.

By court decision, four persons were subjected to administrative detention. Ia Melitauri and Nato Bolkvadze were subjected to 5 days of administrative detention, while Shako Baghdoshvili and Lasha Dgebuadze were subjected to 10 days of administrative detention.

The remaining detainees were fined by the court: Tornike Toshkhua – GEL 3,000, Vaso Beridze – GEL 5,000, Mariam Mekantsishvili – GEL 6,000, Marine Nanava – GEL 5,000, and Sandro Sekhniashvili – GEL 5,000. Consideration of Tornike Tikaridze’s case was postponed until 31 July, and he was released from detention.

In Ia Melitauri’s case, the judge did not establish a violation of Article 173 and found her administratively liable only for petty hooliganism. According to persons present at the hearing, Melitauri spoke about ill-treatment in police custody and showed the judge injuries sustained during her detention.

In parallel with the hearings, reports circulated about confrontations between citizens and officers of the Court Bailiff Service. Circulated footage showed bailiffs forcing citizens to leave the court building.

The case concerns the events that took place near the Tbilisi City Assembly on 26 July. Police initially detained Tornike Toshkhua, who was standing near the City Assembly with a banner reading: “Is Bidzina a d***? Yes – No.” Following his detention, citizens displayed banners with the same wording in solidarity, after which police detained nine additional persons. The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that the detainees had used obscene language in a public space and disobeyed a lawful order of police.

Ten Citizens Detained near Tbilisi City Assembly over a Banner

On 26 July, police detained activist Tornike Toshkhua near the Tbilisi City Assembly building. The reason for the detention was the protest banner displayed by him, which read: “Is Bidzina a d***? Yes – No.” Footage of Toshkhua’s detention shows several police officers approaching him as he stands near the City Assembly, after which they place him in a police vehicle and take him away.

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

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

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

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

Giorgi Akhobadze Subjected to 25 Days of Administrative Detention over a Public Statement

The court imposed 25 days of administrative detention on doctor Giorgi Akhobadze, a participant in the continuous protest rallies. The decision was delivered by Judge Manuchar Tsatsua.

According to reports, the court considered and consolidated two administrative cases against Akhobadze. The cases concerned both posts published on social media, including those relating to Grigol Kachkachishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, and Levan Makhashvili, as well as insulting statements allegedly made during a telephone conversation toward current and former employees of the Central Criminal Police Department and its chancellery.

According to the pro-government TV Imedi, the basis for imposing administrative detention was the repeated nature of the alleged insulting acts. According to the channel, Akhobadze had been requesting the return of a mobile phone seized within the framework of the criminal case pending against him, after which he verbally insulted police officers.

Following the court’s decision, Giorgi Akhobadze stated that he had been found administratively liable for “insulting police officers who plant evidence.” “They found me guilty of insulting police officers who planted evidence,” Akhobadze told TV Pirveli.

Earlier, on 8 July 2026, former prisoner of conscience Giorgi Akhobadze was fined GEL 3,000. At that time, the newly established Division for Combating Hate Speech within the Ministry of Internal Affairs pursued administrative proceedings against him over an insulting comment made on Vato Shakarashvili’s Facebook page.

Giorgi Akhobadze was detained in Tbilisi in December 2024, when he was returning home from the protest rally taking place on Rustaveli Avenue. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, a narcotic substance was found on him; however, Akhobadze stated that the drugs had been planted. The criminal charge brought against him – illegal purchase and possession of a particularly large quantity of narcotic drugs carried a penalty of 8 to 20 years or life imprisonment. On 6 August 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Romeo Tkheshelashvili found Giorgi Akhobadze not guilty and released him from the courtroom, citing insufficient evidence.

Administrative proceedings against citizens over opinions expressed in public spaces are initiated on the basis of administrative offence reports drawn up by the newly established Division for Combating Hate Speech within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The new division has been operating within the Ministry of Internal Affairs since 1 June. The division’s task is to monitor and proactively identify statements disseminated in public spaces that are degrading to human dignity, insulting, or contain hate speech, if they bear signs of an administrative offence.

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.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – October 2025

Context

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

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

Incidents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Violation of these provisions is punishable by:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Seven of the twelve detainees were sentenced to administrative detention:

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

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

The court imposed administrative detention on all four detainees:

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

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

Specifically:

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

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

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

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

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

Tamar Lortkipanidze is charged with:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – September 2024

Context

The incidents documented in September 2024 indicate the use of various forms of pressure against individuals engaged in civic activism and the expression of critical opinions. During the reporting period, incidents involving administrative detention, financial sanctions, and indirect pressure were documented, affecting activists, representatives of civil society, and individuals employed in the public sector.

September was particularly marked by the use of administrative and economic measures against activists. In addition, cases of alleged politically motivated dismissals from public employment were documented. According to human rights organisations, these dismissals may have been linked to the individuals’ publicly expressed criticism of the so-called “Russian Law.”

During the same period, legal and administrative measures directed against non-governmental organisations and their leadership raised concerns regarding potential restrictions on the activities of civil society. Overall, the incidents documented in September demonstrate that the practice of exerting pressure on critical and protest-related activities continued in various forms and targeted both individual activists and civil society organisations.

Incidents

On 4 September 2024, according to information reported by TV Pirveli, several public school principals were allegedly dismissed on political grounds. Those dismissed included Shorena Shamatava, principal of the public school in the village of Nokalakevi; Khatuna Bregvadze, principal of Public School No. 7 in Chiatura; and Mindia Gvelebiani, head of the public school in the village of Namashevi. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) also issued a statement regarding these cases, highlighting possible discriminatory motives and noting that the dismissals may have been linked to the principals’ critical views expressed in relation to the so-called “Russian Law.”

On 9 September 2024, the Tbilisi City Court imposed a fine on activist Lekso Samkharadze, who had called Viktor Japaridze, a Member of Parliament supporting the so-called Russian Law, a “slave.”

On 14 September 2024, police detained businessman and civil activist Soso Babaev in Gori. He was accused of disobeying lawful police orders. Babaev owns a bar in Gori. For three days prior to the incident, preparations had been underway in the area surrounding his bar for the visit of Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the Georgian Dream party. Babaev openly protested the disruption caused by these preparations and also announced on social media that he intended to hold a protest. On the morning of 14 September, while on his way to work, he was detained by police. He spent 48 hours in a temporary detention facility.

On 24 September 2024, the bank accounts of Boris Chele Kurua were frozen. The member of the Coalition for Change announced this on social media. According to Kurua, he had previously been fined GEL 500 in connection with protest activities, although the court decision had never been formally served on him. As he did not pay the fine, enforcement measures resulted in the freezing of his bank accounts.

On 24 September 2024, one month before the parliamentary elections, the Head of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Razhden Kuprashvili, designated the organisations Transparency International Georgia and Choose Europe as entities pursuing declared electoral objectives. The Bureau also required the organisations, as well as their leaders, Eka Gigauri and Khatuna Lagazidze, to submit financial declarations within five days, warning that legal measures would be applied in case of non-compliance.

The organisations challenged the decision before the courts, arguing that it was unlawful because the designation subjected them to the Law on Political Associations of Citizens and imposed restrictions on their activities. Amid the resulting controversy, on 2 October, following a public appeal by the Prime Minister, the Anti-Corruption Bureau reversed its decision and, citing the interests of the country, officially revoked the organisations’ status as entities pursuing electoral objectives.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – November 2025

Context

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

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

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

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

Incidents

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

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

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

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

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

Anuka Gamsakhurdia was sentenced to two days of administrative detention.

Nikoloz Darsania was sentenced to three days of administrative detention.

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

Beka Agulashvili was sentenced to five days of administrative detention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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