Forced Change of Location, Time or Form of Protest

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – November 2025

Context

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

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

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

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

Incidents

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

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

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

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

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

Anuka Gamsakhurdia was sentenced to two days of administrative detention.

Nikoloz Darsania was sentenced to three days of administrative detention.

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

Beka Agulashvili was sentenced to five days of administrative detention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – May 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.

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.

Police Remove Protest Tents Outside Parliament

On 15 March, late at night, police once again removed tents set up in front of the Parliament building. Videos disseminated by activists show that the tents were taken away by municipal sanitation service personnel using a waste collection vehicle. Protest participants report that their personal belongings were removed together with the tents.

The Head of the Tbilisi Patrol Police, Goga Memanishvili, justified the removal of the tents on the grounds of maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of demonstrators. According to his statement, a fire that had occurred in the area several days earlier posed additional risks, which prompted the decision to dismantle and remove the tents. One of the protest participants, Darejan Tskhvitariа stated that, notwithstanding the removal of the tents, she intends to remain in the vicinity of Parliament and continue the protest.

For context, on 12 March, a fire broke out in Darejan Tskhvitariа’s tent in the early morning hours. According to her account, upon returning to the site, neither the tent nor her personal belongings were present. She further stated that the fire in the tents may have been linked to attempts to remove them. Subsequently, other protest participants provided her with new tents near Parliament; however, these were also removed by the police. As a form of protest, Darejan Tskhvitariа has reportedly been spending nights in the area surrounding Parliament for nearly one year.