Excessive Use of Force During Arrest, Transportation or Dispersal of Protest

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – May 2024

Context

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

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

Incidents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – June 2024

Context

The monitoring conducted in June 2024 demonstrated that human rights violations targeting civil activists continued and retained a systemic character. Although the intensity of protest demonstrations decreased compared to May, the practices of violence, intimidation, and legal pressure against activists remained evident. In addition, the reporting period saw an incident involving damage to the office of a political party, reflecting a tense and polarized environment and increasing the risk of politically motivated acts of violence.

The documented cases include both administrative and criminal detention, as well as incidents of physical violence, property damage, and indirect pressure. A number of these incidents were linked to activists’ civic engagement and participation in protest activities, indicating a hostile environment toward critical expression and creating a risk of a chilling effect.

Incidents

On 3 June 2024, activist Davit Kuprava was summoned for questioning by the Criminal Police after Nino Tsilosani, a Member of Parliament from the ruling Georgian Dream party, accused him of “harassment.” Tsilosani filed a complaint with the Ministry of Internal Affairs after, during a conversation with journalists, a citizen shouted “traitor” at her from a passing vehicle. Tsilosani claimed that she had been subjected to “harassment.”

On 5 June 2024, businessman and activist opposing the so-called “Russian Law,” Ioseb Babaev, was detained by the State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and was physically assaulted. Judge Levan Darbaidze found the investigative actions conducted in the case to be unlawful and ordered Babaev’s release from the courtroom. Recalling the day of his detention, Babaev stated that law enforcement officers beat him for approximately five hours. According to Babaev, his detention was personally supervised by the head of the Central Criminal Police Department.

On 7 June 2024, student and activist Niko Managadze was physically assaulted by up to four individuals near the First Building of Tbilisi State University (TSU). The assault was preceded by Managadze’s announcement of a protest gathering outside TSU, where demonstrators planned to meet Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The protest was directed against what participants described as the undemocratic policies of the ruling Georgian Dream party, including the adoption of the so-called “Russian Law.”

On 8 June 2024, students opposing the so-called “Russian Law” held a protest outside Tbilisi State University, where Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze was scheduled to deliver a lecture. At the same time, individuals associated with the ruling Georgian Dream party, commonly referred to as “titushky,” were mobilized both inside the university corridors and around the perimeter of the campus. Tensions escalated repeatedly throughout the event.

On 9 June 2024, Mariam Tsitsikashvili, an employee of the non-governmental organization GRASS, was stopped by police after an altercation with People’s Power MP Viktor Japaridze at the airport. Police confiscated her passport and administratively detained her under the petty hooliganism provision of the Code of Administrative Offences.

On 11 June 2024, within one hour of the publication of a Facebook post by Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Parliament from the ruling Georgian Dream party, activist Zuka Berdzenishvili was physically assaulted by a violent group. In his post, Papuashvili claimed that Berdzenishvili had been calling Members of Parliament and threatening and insulting them. Shortly afterwards, Berdzenishvili was ambushed outside his home, attacked from behind, beaten, and threatened with death. Due to the severity of his injuries, he required surgical treatment.

Also on 11 June 2024, students who were due to meet President Salome Zourabichvili at Orbeliani Square were confronted by so-called “vigilante groups.” As information about the planned meeting had been publicly available in advance, aggressive groups affiliated with Georgian Dream gathered at the venue. They verbally abused the President, calling her a “resident” and a “traitor,” and attempted to disrupt the meeting. Their verbal aggression targeted both President Zourabichvili and other participants and activists attending the event. According to the organizers, the primary objective of these groups was to provoke young participants into a physical confrontation. However, this attempt failed, and the groups left the area shortly afterwards.

On 13 June 2024, activist Beka Papashvili was physically assaulted at the Fresco supermarket on Gorgasali Avenue by the personal bodyguard of Georgian Dream MP Beka Odisharia. Papashvili stated that he was attacked by a group of so-called “thugs” as he exited the supermarket and that one of the attackers was allegedly the MP’s son. The assault followed Papashvili calling Odisharia a “slave” and a “Russian.”

On 17 June 2024, activist Leri Dardzania, an opponent of the so-called “Russian Law,” was ambushed in the morning. As he left his home, he was physically assaulted by approximately ten unidentified individuals. He sustained injuries to his face and required hospitalization.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – January 2025

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

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

Incidents

5 January 2025

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

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

8 January 2025

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

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

10 January 2025

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

11 January 2025

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

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

11 January 2025

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

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

12 January 2025

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

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

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

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

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

Specifically:

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

11–12 January 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

13 January 2025

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

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

13 January 2025

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

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

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

18 January 2025

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

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

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

20 January 2025

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

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

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

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

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

20 January 2025

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

26 January 2025

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

29 January 2025

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

20 January 2025

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

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

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

27 January 2025

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

30 January 2025

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

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

Incidents documented against civil activists – April 2024

Context

Monitoring conducted in April 2024 showed a significant escalation of violations against civil activists in Georgia. This period coincided with the re-initiation of the so-called “Russian law”, which triggered large-scale, continuous and intensive protests in various cities across the country, particularly in Tbilisi.

A significant number of the incidents documented in April were linked to peaceful assemblies, protest marches and demonstrations. In most cases, law enforcement bodies were involved, indicating a broader trend of state control over civic space and restrictions on protest. The monitoring data, based on footage disseminated by the media and reports by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association and the Public Defender of Georgia,(see: Public Defender, 16–17 April; Public Defender, 30 April; GYLA, 30 April) shows that both administrative and coercive measures were used against activists. In several cases, these measures resulted in restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression, physical violence and indirect pressure.

Incidents

On 7 April 2024, activists who were removing hate-related posters in the Marjanishvili area were obstructed by party activists affiliated with Georgian Dream. The civil activists called law enforcement officers to the scene; however, the police took the activists for questioning and released them only the following morning.

On 15 April 2024, during a protest against the “Russian law”, police detained 14 citizens. Some of those detained reported violence by police officers, which was also confirmed by the Deputy Public Defender, Elene Ghudushauri. According to the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, most of the detainees did not have adequate access to communication with family members and lawyers. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, four of the 14 detainees were released on the basis of a written undertaking.

On 16–17 April 2024, during the dispersal of a protest against the so-called “Russian law”, police forces used physical force against peaceful demonstrators. In its report, the Public Defender noted that footage disseminated by media outlets indicated the use of disproportionate force by special-purpose police units against citizens. For example, a police officer knocked down and physically assaulted protest participant Dimitri Beridze. Beridze was transferred to a clinic and sustained a concussion as a result of the incident. In another case, officers of the Special Tasks Department cornered a young man in a side street and physically assaulted him. According to the citizen, masked individuals chased him and struck him in the face area with a baton. Civil activist Mariam Dolidze was also physically assaulted by special forces officers. She sustained an elbow injury and required surgery. In addition, police detained 18 persons, including Gela Khasaia, Levan Jobava, Sandro and Giga Jokhadze, Levan Budaghashvili, Tornike Maruashvili, Isako Devidze, G.B., D.G. and others. Signs of physical violence were also identified in this incident: five of the detainees had to be transferred to a clinic. This information was also confirmed by the Minister of Health. The Public Defender also referred in its report to allegations of ill-treatment of detainees.

The Public Defender stated that on the evening of 16 April, during the protest against the so-called “Russian law”, the situation escalated several times. Pepper spray was used by law enforcement officers even in response to non-violent approaches by protesters. Cases were also identified in which peaceful participants were chased in order to force them to leave the area. The Public Defender stated that such actions clearly constituted an unjustified interference with the freedom of assembly. The Public Defender further emphasized that “one of the most important elements of the freedom of assembly is the freedom to choose the location of an assembly, which is of particular significance where a specific place or institution is the object of protest, or where expressing views at a specific location is the most effective means of conveying an opinion or protest to its intended addressee.”

On 18 April 2024, in connection with protests against the so-called “Russian law”, the Central Criminal Police summoned activists Niko Managadze, Tite Gedenidze, Beka Papashvili, Tsotne Japaridze and Igor Narmania for questioning.

On 19 April 2024, masked individuals were allegedly waiting near the residence of civil activist Niko Managadze. As soon as they noticed the TV Pirveli camera crew, they left the area. Managadze suspected that the unidentified individuals had come to his residence with the intention of physically attacking him.

On 20 April 2024, Niko Managadze, an activist opposing the so-called “Russian law”, was physically assaulted near the university, allegedly by individuals linked to Georgian Dream. The activist was first pushed by the security detail of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze; subsequently, approximately ten young men physically assaulted him.

On 22 April 2024, civil activist, teacher and founder of a children’s literary club Mikheil Mumladze was detained near the Lado Meskhishvili Theatre in Kutaisi while draft laws restricting LGBT rights were being discussed inside the theatre. At the time the discussion began, Mumladze wrote on his Facebook page that he was not being allowed to attend the public discussion of the constitutional draft law and addressed Mamuka Mdinaradze, asking to be allowed into the building.

On 29 April 2024, Alexi Petriashvili was detained during a protest against the so-called “Russian law”. Police accused him of petty hooliganism and failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer.

On 30 April 2024, the special-purpose unit of the Special Tasks Department dispersed a peaceful protest against the so-called “Russian law”. According to the Public Defender, during the night of 30 April and throughout 1 May, the Public Defender and its representatives visited 49 persons, of whom 47 had been detained under administrative procedure. Representatives visited temporary detention facilities in Tbilisi, Zugdidi, Telavi, Dusheti, Mtskheta, Gori and Khashuri. Thirty-one persons alleged ill-treatment and/or disproportionate use of force by police or special forces. Most of them had visible injuries. Nineteen of the 31 requested a response. According to publicly available information, police surrounded and detained activist Giorgi Dumbadze while he was giving an interview to TV Pirveli and saying that he would not stop fighting against the Russian law. Members of the special-purpose unit also physically assaulted Gela Nadiradze, who sustained injuries.

According to a report by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, during the protest held near the Parliament of Georgia, members of the special-purpose unit used active special means without prior warning, including pepper spray discharged at close range and gas capsules. GYLA noted that protest participants were not given an opportunity to leave the area, as “police forces had encircled the demonstrators.”

According to the report, footage disseminated by the media also documented cases of physical violence against citizens, including women, while administrative detentions were carried out in parallel.

The Public Defender also assessed the protest of 30 April. According to the Public Defender, the force used by law enforcement officers in several cases failed to meet the standards of necessity and proportionality. The Public Defender stated that pepper spray and other special means, including tear gas and water cannon, were used against protest participants. The Public Defender emphasized that both at the time the warning was issued and afterwards, the assembly remained peaceful; therefore, there were no grounds for terminating the assembly or using force against peaceful demonstrators.

Incidents Documented Against Civil Activists – November 2024

Context

The cases documented in November 2024 demonstrate the intensive and multifaceted nature of rights violations directed against civil activists, particularly in the period following the 31 October 2024 parliamentary elections. The documented incidents primarily relate to peaceful assemblies and protest actions and include the use by the State of various legal and administrative measures, including restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression, administrative and criminal arrests, financial sanctions, physical violence, and other forms of indirect pressure against activists.

The data presented are based solely on cases reflected in publicly available sources. Accordingly, the actual number of rights violations may exceed the documented figures.

In the cases documented in November 2024, at least 46 episodes of rights violations were recorded, affecting at least 281 persons.

Dispersal / restriction of the freedoms of assembly and expression: In November 2024, at least 9 episodes involving restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression were documented, including the violent dispersal of assemblies, restrictions on movement, and the use of special means, particularly during the events of 28–29 November, when 33 persons were injured and transferred to medical facilities.

Arrests: In November 2024, 3 cases of arrest in criminal proceedings were documented, involving 3 persons, while 9 episodes of arrests in administrative-offence proceedings were documented, within which a total of 175 persons were administratively arrested, including 107 persons in one episode.

Administrative proceedings / financial sanctions: In November 2024, financial sanctions were used against civil activists and organizations in at least 9 cases. According to the monitoring data, the sanctions were linked to peaceful protest marches and forms of public expression. Based on publicly available information and information disseminated by the media, the total amount of fines imposed was not less than GEL 13,700.

Physical violence / ill-treatment: In November 2024, at least 11 episodes were documented, within which at least 57 persons reported physical violence, ill-treatment, or severe physical abuse. Among them, in the episode of 19 November, representatives of the Public Defender visited 16 detainees, of whom 10 alleged ill-treatment; in the 28–29 November episode, out of 11 persons visited, alleged ill-treatment was identified in 9 cases, 6 persons had visible injuries, and 2 persons had been transferred to a clinic; in the 29–30 November episode, 38 persons reported severe physical abuse.

Confiscation of property / personal belongings: At least 1 episode was documented, within which some detainees alleged the confiscation of personal belongings, including mobile phones and other items.

Indirect pressure / “chilling effect”: In November 2024, at least 4 episodes were documented, including the summoning of an activist and a representative of an observation mission for questioning, and the practice of systematically summoning members of an observation coalition.

5 November 2024 – Ozurgeti, Guria

The Municipal Inspection fined the organization “Civil Movement for Freedom” GEL 1,500 for placing a protest banner on the balcony of its office reading “The Russian Dream stole the elections.” According to the Inspection, the banner was assessed as “illegal advertising.”

According to the organization’s representative, Otar Revishvili, the banner constituted a form of political protest and did not damage the façade of the building or any other infrastructure. Nevertheless, the Supervision Service imposed the fine on the basis of Article 159 of the Code of Administrative Offences, which concerns violations of the rules on the placement of advertisements.

6 November 2024 – Tbilisi

Londa Toloraia, spokesperson of the observation coalition “My Vote,” was summoned by the Prosecutor’s Office for questioning as a witness before a magistrate judge. The questions mainly concerned the activities and assessments of the observation mission, rather than possible violations identified during the 26 October elections.

The coalition “My Vote” publicly stated that the Prosecutor’s Office was not launching a full-fledged investigation into election-related crimes and, instead, was summoning various members of the observation mission for questioning. According to the organization, these actions were aimed at obstructing the coalition’s activities and exerting pressure on its members.

10 November 2024 – Tbilisi

During a protest against the election results, which was taking place on both embankments of the Mtkvari River and in the area surrounding Baratashvili Bridge, the police called on participants to clear the carriageway. The restriction concerned the form and location of the assembly.

13 November 2024 – Tbilisi

During a protest against the election results, citizens were moving in a march from the Central Election Commission building towards the Aghmashenebeli monument. Law enforcement officers did not allow them to block the carriageway and removed women participants from the traffic lane through the use of physical force. Prior to that, protest participants had been temporarily restricted from moving around and entering the Central Election Commission building, which hindered the process of submitting applications.

16 November 2024 – Tbilisi

During a protest march held near the Central Election Commission in Tbilisi, 3 civil activists were detained in administrative-offence proceedings. According to available data, the arrests were linked to civic activism in the electoral context.

Members of the “Daitove” movement, who were moving towards the residence of the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, had their movement restricted by the police. The situation on the ground was periodically tense.

Citizens gathered near the Central Election Commission moved in a protest march towards Aghmashenebeli Alley. During the march, a confrontation took place between the police and demonstrators, and the police attempted to remove them from the carriageway through the use of force.

Citizens gathered near the Central Election Commission held a protest march towards Aghmashenebeli Alley, protesting the results of the parliamentary elections. During the march, a physical confrontation took place between the police and protest participants; law enforcement officers attempted to remove the demonstrators from the carriageway through the use of force.

19 November 2024 – Tbilisi

In the early morning hours, law enforcement officers dispersed a peaceful protest that had been ongoing for two days on Chavchavadze Avenue and took control of the area through the use of force. From approximately 06:00 in the morning, a large number of police and special-purpose forces, including special equipment, were mobilized on site. After the dispersal of the assembly, part of the citizens moved to Melikishvili Avenue, where their arrests began.

During the arrests and the dispersal of the assembly, physical abuse took place both in the street and inside police vehicles. According to reports, two injured persons were transferred to a clinic. On the same day, the police arrested 16 persons in administrative-offence proceedings. According to lawyers, the detainees had injuries of varying severity, while some of them were later released on the basis of a written undertaking.

On 19 November, representatives of the Public Defender visited 16 detained persons: 14 in temporary detention facilities and 2 in medical facilities. Of these, 10 reported ill-treatment and excessive use of force. The Public Defender stated that the assembly taking place on Melikishvili Avenue was peaceful in nature and complied with the standards of freedom of assembly, while the use of force identified during the arrests required an immediate and effective investigation. For this purpose, the Public Defender’s Office submitted publicly disseminated materials to the Special Investigation Service. Among those arrested were Aleksandre Kavtaradze, Aleksandre Bekauri, and Rezi Dumbadze. According to their lawyer, physical force was used against them both during arrest and inside police vehicles, as a result of which they sustained injuries, including to the facial area.

According to civil activist Natia Dzidziguri, who was arrested during the dispersal of the protest near Tbilisi State University, her detention was preceded by aggressive conduct and verbal abuse by the police. According to her, after the detention, while being transported in a police vehicle, she was subjected to degrading and sexually offensive treatment. The activist explained that she was forced to remain on her knees throughout the entire journey, despite the fact that there was free space in the vehicle and despite her repeated requests to be allowed to sit down. In addition, she indicated that during transportation, law enforcement officers used degrading gestures and ironic, insulting remarks, creating an environment of psychological pressure and treatment impairing human dignity.

20 November 2024 – Tbilisi

Participants gathered near the first building of Tbilisi State University were given a temporary deadline to leave the area, after which they were forcibly moved to Melikishvili Avenue.

The court imposed a fine of GEL 2,700 on civil activist Irakli Andghuladze. The case was related to his participation in the protest held on Melikishvili Avenue on 19 November.

21 November 2024 – Tbilisi

In Tbilisi, representatives of law enforcement bodies arrested civil activist Mate Devidze in criminal proceedings. He was arrested on charges of assaulting police officers during the protest held in Tbilisi on 19 November 2024, an offence punishable by up to seven years’ imprisonment.

In Tbilisi, the court sentenced civil activist Davit Tsotsoria to 8 days of administrative detention, in connection with his arrest at the protest held on Melikishvili Avenue on 19 November.

In Tbilisi, the court sentenced civil activist Isako Devidze to 8 days of administrative detention, in connection with his arrest at the protest held on Melikishvili Avenue on 19 November.

Civil activist Niko Managadze was summoned to the Special Investigation Service within the framework of a criminal case concerning alleged interference with the journalistic activities of a journalist of TV company “Imedi.” According to Managadze himself, the case was initiated on the basis of an application by TV company “Imedi.” The activist explained that the incident was related to a critical question he asked during a live broadcast, concerning the assessment and coverage of incidents of police violence against journalists. During the same period, the Special Investigation Service stated that an investigation had been launched into cases of interference with journalistic activities during the protests of 18–19 November.

Civil activist Lizi Tirkia was summoned to the Special Investigation Service in connection with the protest action of 19 November. Initially, Tirkia wrote on social media that she was being accused of assaulting police officers; however, the Special Investigation Service denied this information and explained that Tirkia had been summoned as a witness. Later, Tirkia herself also stated that she learned the actual reason for the summons only after appearing at the agency.

25 November 2024 – Tbilisi

Anatoli Gigauri was arrested on charges of assaulting a police officer, an offence punishable by 4 to 7 years’ imprisonment. According to the official version, during a protest held on Rustaveli Avenue, in the area surrounding the Parliament, he physically confronted a patrol inspector. At the same time, during his arrest, Anatoli Gigauri indicated that physical force had been used against him and that he had injuries. According to Anatoli Gigauri, physical violence was used against him before the arrest. According to his lawyer, Gigauri had injuries in the facial area, including bruising above and below the eye socket. The victim explained that, although he intended to get into the law enforcement vehicle voluntarily, several police officers physically assaulted him before the arrest. According to the lawyer, they would apply to the Special Investigation Service requesting the launch of an investigation into the incident of violence.

27 November 2024 – Tbilisi

In the courtyard of Tbilisi City Court, citizens gathered in support of persons arrested during the protest were forcibly removed from the area by the Mandaturi Service, restricting the possibility to assemble and express views.

Tbilisi City Court issued decisions in administrative cases concerning citizens who participated in the protest march of 10 November and imposed financial sanctions in the total amount of GEL 7,500. Specifically, by court decision, GEL 500 fines were imposed on Ilia Seturi, Nino Chilashvili, Davit Tsintsabadze, Luka Beraia, and Ketevan Daudishvili, who were accused of blocking the road and violating the rules on assemblies and demonstrations. In the same context, according to media reports, the court imposed a GEL 5,000 fine on Ilia Ghlonti, one of the founders of the “Daitove” movement and co-organizer of the 10 November march.

Tbilisi City Court imposed a fine of GEL 2,000 on Vano Gomurashvili on the charge of disobeying a lawful order of the police. During the court hearing, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs claimed that the civil activist had verbally insulted law enforcement officers at the protest held near the Central Election Commission. At the same time, no evidence confirming the allegation was presented during the hearing. Vano Gomurashvili himself assessed the decision as an attempt to exert pressure on and intimidate civic activism, and indicated that the sanction imposed against him was linked to the expression of dissenting opinion and participation in protest activity.

28 November 2024 – Kutaisi

In Kutaisi, civil activist Misha Mumladze was arrested in administrative-offence proceedings. According to the monitoring data, the arrest was carried out through the use of force and was linked to a pro-European protest held against the suspension of negotiations with the European Union. This episode also indicates signs of physical violence and ill-treatment.

At a protest held near the office of “Georgian Dream” in Kutaisi, where citizens were protesting the government’s decision to suspend negotiations with the European Union by moving across a zebra crossing, the police arrested protest participant Misha Mumladze through the use of force. During the detention, a scuffle occurred between the police and citizens, and Mumladze was forcibly taken into a police vehicle.

28–29 November 2024 – Tbilisi

During the night hours, the pro-European protest held on Rustaveli Avenue was dispersed by police forces through the use of force. Law enforcement officers used water cannons and special means, and numerous incidents of violence against protest participants, journalists, and photographers were documented.

After the dispersal of the pro-European protest, the police began pursuing the demonstrators who remained on Rustaveli Avenue, used physical force against them, and arrested dozens of people. Law enforcement officers began using physical violence against citizens gathered near the Opera House and pursued them up to the building of the Academy of Sciences. According to reports, police officers also entered a pharmacy, where they physically assaulted citizens and damaged inventory.

Throughout the night, demonstrators were pursued, violence was used, and arrests were carried out on Rustaveli Avenue. Law enforcement officers used tear gas and water cannons, including means which, according to media reports, contained tear-inducing substances. Violence affected journalists, politicians, and other citizens present at the protest. The protest on Rustaveli Avenue began after the ruling party announced on 28 November the suspension of negotiations on accession to the European Union.

The Public Defender assessed the developments at the protests of 28–29 November as particularly alarming. According to the Public Defender, cases of inhuman and degrading treatment of peaceful demonstrators, journalists, and detained persons were identified. On the night of 29 November, representatives of the Public Defender visited 11 persons; in 9 cases, alleged ill-treatment was identified, including against 3 journalists. Six persons had visible physical injuries, while two injured persons had been transferred to a clinic with multiple injuries.

Poet Zviad Ratiani was detained on the night of 28–29 November. During the arrest, law enforcement officers dragged him by force on Chichinadze Street and physically assaulted him. Later disseminated video footage shows him being led through a corridor of special-purpose officers while being continuously beaten. The injured person was diagnosed with serious injuries: a fractured fifth vertebra, a broken nasal bone and septum, as well as multiple haematomas and bruises on his body. According to Zviad Ratiani, he was peacefully present at the protest and was only trying to defuse the tension with a hand gesture when the police forcibly removed him and continued physical violence both in the street and inside the police vehicle.

On the night of 29 November, as a result of the violent dispersal of the pro-European protest in Tbilisi, 43 civil activists were detained in administrative-offence proceedings.

29–30 November 2024 – Tbilisi

In Tbilisi, during the violent dispersal of the protests of 29–30 November, 107 civil activists were detained in administrative-offence proceedings, representing the largest episode of administrative arrests during the month.

According to lawyers and the Public Defender, a significant number of those arrested as a result of the protests of 29–30 November had traces of physical violence. According to lawyer Lasha Tkesheladze, there were queues of detainees in detention facilities, and the detainees had been beaten and had various injuries, including bruising and signs of head trauma. One detainee, Avtandil Tvitinidze, required emergency medical assistance due to symptoms of concussion.

Representatives of the Public Defender visited detainees, of whom 38 reported severe physical abuse. According to the Public Defender, injuries were mainly inflicted in the facial area. The Ombudsperson noted that violence was used particularly during the moment of arrest and during the transfer of detainees in police vehicles. It is noteworthy that a significant number of detainees indicated that their personal belongings — mobile phones, a laptop, a wallet containing cash, and other items — had been confiscated, and their subsequent whereabouts remain unknown to them.

30 November 2024 – Tbilisi and Batumi

The Ministry of Internal Affairs continued to attempt to suppress legitimate protest through violence in Tbilisi and Batumi. On Rustaveli Avenue, the police dispersed a peaceful assembly by violent methods, including through the use of water cannons and gas. Law enforcement officers used violence against peaceful citizens, pursued them, arrested them without grounds, and physically assaulted them, while also using special means in violation of the rules governing their use.

In Batumi, in the context of a pro-European protest, 3 civil activists were detained in administrative-offence proceedings. In Tbilisi, during the violent dispersal of the protests of 29–30 November, 107 civil activists were arrested in administrative-offence proceedings, representing the largest episode of administrative arrests during the month.

In Tbilisi, another civil activist, Archil Museliani, was arrested in criminal proceedings. He is accused of damaging video cameras installed near the Parliament, specifically by setting them on fire. Museliani does not plead guilty and indicates alleged pressure and violence against him in the detention facility.

Avtandil Tvitinidze was arrested in the early morning hours in the area surrounding the Parliament. After the arrest, he was transferred to a temporary detention facility and later to a clinic. According to Tvitinidze, during the arrest he was not allowed to contact a doctor or a lawyer, despite his repeated requests. According to Avtandil Tvitinidze, during the arrest, physical force was used against him by representatives of the special-purpose unit. He stated that one of the special-purpose officers struck him hard in the nose, causing heavy bleeding. Subsequently, according to the detainee, he was struck several more times, while during transfer to the detention facility he was threatened with violence and the use of handcuffs. Tvitinidze also indicated degrading treatment, psychological pressure, and delayed provision of medical assistance, as a result of which it ultimately became necessary to transfer him to a clinic.

During the violent dispersal of the ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue, the police detained Giorgi Maisashvili. His detention was preceded by the use of physical force against him – Giorgi had bruising around the eye area. Later, he was sentenced to 6 days of administrative detention.

During the dispersal of the pro-European protest on Rustaveli Avenue, the police severely beat 23-year-old Zviad Maisashvili. According to him, police officers threw him to the ground, after which several law enforcement officers struck him simultaneously. As a result of the beating, Zviad Maisashvili lost consciousness. Zviad was later brought back to consciousness in an ambulance. He was diagnosed with a concussion, a fractured nasal septum, a broken back tooth, and bruising of the lips. On the same night, the police also physically assaulted his brother, 24-year-old Giorgi Maisashvili, who was arrested and sentenced to 6 days of administrative detention.

According to lawyer Tato Kelbakiani, after the pro-European protest, his 17-year-old son, Demetre Kelbakiani, was detained by law enforcement officers through the use of force. According to Kelbakiani, the minor was thrown to the ground and 7–8 people used violence against him at the same time, despite the fact that he repeatedly indicated his age. Demetre was later released and transferred to a clinic to have his injuries examined.