Use of Fines, Sanctions or Administrative Leverage for the Purpose of Economic Pressure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Giorgi Gogia Fined GEL 3,000 over a Facebook Post Concerning Bera Ivanishvili

Citizen Giorgi Gogia was fined GEL 3,000 on the grounds of allegedly insulting Bera Ivanishvili, the son of the honorary chair of Georgian Dream. The decision was delivered by Judge Tornike Kochkiani of Tbilisi City Court.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Giorgi Gogia, under Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offences, of verbal abuse in a public space, classified as petty hooliganism. According to the Ministry, Gogia insulted Bera Ivanishvili, the son of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chair of Georgian Dream, on the social network Facebook. The MIA qualified as a possible administrative offence a post written on 14 June, in which Giorgi Gogia shared a statement by Bera Ivanishvili and wrote: “said the son of a b***h who had Irakli Gharibashvili running around schools to beat up children.”

Administrative proceedings against citizens over opinions expressed in the public space are being initiated on the basis of reports drawn up by the newly created MIA Division for Combating Hate Speech. The new division has been operating within the MIA since 1 June. Its mandate is to monitor and proactively identify publicly disseminated statements that are degrading to human dignity, insulting, or contain hate speech, where such statements may contain elements of an administrative offence.

According to Radio Liberty, between 1 June and 2 July, after the division became operational, it identified 170 alleged administrative offences, of which 150 cases have already been submitted to court. Decisions have already been delivered in 33 of these 150 cases: 31 individuals were fined, while two individuals received verbal warnings. Most of those fined are citizens and activists.

Civil Activist Giorgi Melitauri Fined over a Facebook Comment Concerning His Friend

Civil activist Giorgi Melitauri was fined GEL 2,000 on the grounds of allegedly posting an insulting comment on Facebook in connection with his friend.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Giorgi Melitauri, under Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offences, of verbal abuse in a public space, classified as petty hooliganism. The case concerns a comment Melitauri posted under one of Mtavari TV’s Facebook posts. The post concerned an attack on Melitauri’s friend, photographer Levan Zazadze. Melitauri’s comment was directed at the person who had attacked Zazadze and included profanity. The MIA’s Division for Combating Hate Speech treated the comment as an insult against his friend and drew up an administrative offence report.

At the court hearing, the MIA representative stated that it did not matter at whom the insult was directed. “They accused me of insulting [Levan Zazadze], but when they realized that the profanity was directed not at Levan Zazadze, but at his attacker, they said that it did not matter whether I insulted anyone or not; what mattered was that I had used obscene language in a public space,” Melitauri told Publika.

Administrative proceedings against citizens over opinions expressed in the public space are being initiated on the basis of administrative offence reports drawn up by the newly created MIA Division for Combating Hate Speech. The new division has been operating within the MIA since 1 June. Its mandate is to monitor and proactively identify publicly disseminated statements that are degrading to human dignity, insulting, or contain hate speech, where such statements may contain elements of an administrative offence.

Besik Andghuladze, Living in Emigration, Fined GEL 4,000 on Grounds of Allegedly Insulting MP Eka Chichinadze

On 6 July 2026, Georgian citizen Besik Andghuladze, who is currently abroad, was fined GEL 4,000 on the grounds of allegedly insulting Eka Chichinadze, a Georgian Dream MP and member of Parliament. The decision was delivered by Judge Nino Enukidze of Tbilisi City Court. The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Andghuladze of committing an act under Article 173¹⁶(1) of the Code of Administrative Offences, which concerns the verbal insult and verbal abuse of a state-political official.

Andghuladze’s lawyer explained to the court that there was no evidence reliably establishing that the author of the comment was indeed Besik Andghuladze. Nevertheless, the judge did not accept this argument and found him administratively liable.

Writer and Protest Participant Beka Kurkhuli Fined over Opinions Expressed on Social Media

On 6 July 2026, writer and protest participant Beka Kurkhuli was fined GEL 3,000 on the grounds of allegedly publishing insulting posts on social media. The decision was delivered by Judge Nino Enukidze of Tbilisi City Court.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs accused Beka Kurkhuli of verbal abuse in a public space, classified as petty hooliganism. According to the Ministry, Kurkhuli published several posts, comments, and videos on Facebook in which he “uses obscene words and phrases,” some of which were directed at Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chair of Georgian Dream, and Gia Gachechiladze, a presenter on Maestro.

Beka Kurkhuli told TV Pirveli that the case also concerned an opinion he had expressed on television. According to him, several weeks earlier, while speaking on TV Pirveli, he discussed the problems he faced at the border upon returning from Ukraine and criticized Bidzina Ivanishvili, which was treated as an insult.

Musician Maia Darsmelidze Fined GEL 2,800 on Grounds of Allegedly Insulting a Person Affiliated with Georgian Dream

On 10 July 2026, Tbilisi City Court fined musician Maia Darsmelidze GEL 2,800 over a Facebook post concerning Nino Jgharkava, a person affiliated with Georgian Dream. The decision was delivered by Judge Manuchar Tsatsua of Tbilisi City Court.

Administrative offence proceedings against the musician were initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ newly created Division for Combating Hate Speech. Darsmelidze was one of the first publicly reported cases in which the new division drew up an administrative offence report. The musician herself wrote about this on social media.

Incidents Recorded Against Civil Activists – September 2025

Context

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

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

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

Incidents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The so-called “Masks Case”

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

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

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

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

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

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – September 2024

Context

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

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

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

Incidents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – 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 2025

Context

The incidents documented in June 2025 indicate the continued use of criminal justice mechanisms against individuals connected with protest activities, as well as various forms of pressure against government critics. During the month, several participants in the pro-European protest demonstrations were sentenced to terms of imprisonment, while in a number of cases criminal investigations and prosecutions were initiated following incidents that occurred either inside court buildings or during protest demonstrations.

Particular attention during June was drawn to the case of activist and civic education teacher Nino Datashvili, whose case originated from an incident that took place at the Tbilisi City Court. Following an altercation at the courthouse, a criminal investigation was initiated against her, and she was subsequently arrested under criminal procedure.

During the same period, poet Zviad Ratiani was arrested during a protest outside the Parliament building and was later remanded in custody by the court as a preventive measure.

In addition to cases of criminal prosecution, incidents involving the imposition of financial sanctions were also documented. Among them, Baia Pataraia, Executive Director of the women’s rights organisation Sapari, was fined over statements published on social media.

The documented cases demonstrate that the use of legal mechanisms against individuals participating in protest activities remained active throughout June and included detention, deprivation of liberty, as well as the imposition of financial sanctions.

Incidents

On 2 June 2025, Judge Lili Mskhiladze of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced 23-year-old Daniel Mumladze and 26-year-old Guram Khutashvili to three years’ imprisonment each. The two had been arrested in connection with the alleged damage to surveillance cameras on Rustaveli Avenue during protests in December 2023. Although both defendants admitted the charges and expressed their willingness to compensate for the damage, they were not offered a plea agreement.

The case of Nino Datashvili

The case of activist and civic education teacher Nino Datashvili began in June 2025 following an incident at the Tbilisi City Court, where hearings concerning individuals detained during protest demonstrations were taking place.

On 9 June, an altercation occurred in the lobby of the Tbilisi City Court between Nino Datashvili and representatives of the Court Bailiff Service. According to the bailiffs, Datashvili was verbally instructed to leave an area where, they claimed, standing was prohibited pursuant to the court’s instructions. Datashvili initially responded with verbal resistance. Video footage of the incident, later circulated by activists, showed several court bailiffs forcibly removing her from the courthouse.

On 11 June 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that a criminal investigation had been initiated against Nino Datashvili in connection with the incident at the City Court under Article 353² of the Criminal Code, which criminalises an attack against a public official in connection with the performance of official duties.

Eleven days after the incident, on 20 June 2025, law enforcement officers arrested Nino Datashvili. The court fully granted the prosecution’s motion and ordered pre-trial detention as a preventive measure, despite the defence having argued from the outset that detention posed serious risks to her health.

Shortly after Datashvili’s arrest, more than 200 teachers and university lecturers expressed solidarity with the detained teacher and issued a public statement. They stated that Nino Datashvili was being subjected to politically motivated criminal prosecution and called for pre-trial detention to be replaced with a less restrictive preventive measure.

During a court hearing held on 7 August, Nino Datashvili described how she had been treated by police officers following her arrest on 20 June. According to the teacher and activist, she was denied the opportunity to contact both her child and her lawyer for several hours after her arrest. Datashvili further stated that she was forced to strip at the police station and was denied access to a toilet for several hours. It is noteworthy that Mzia Amaghlobeli described being subjected to similar treatment. According to Datashvili, representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs treated her “like an object,” in a cynical and degrading manner.

During her detention, the case attracted further public attention when, in early August, the Prosecutor’s Office requested an inpatient psychiatric examination on the basis of an entry contained in the defendant’s medical records. The court granted the motion and warned that, should she refuse, she could be forcibly transferred to a psychiatric institution for 20 days. Human rights defenders, as well as Datashvili herself, described this measure as a return to Soviet-style repressive practices and equated it with treatment amounting to torture.

From September onwards, Datashvili’s health deteriorated sharply while in detention. Due to severe spinal problems, she lost the ability to move independently, sit, and even eat. Her physical condition became so serious that she was no longer able to attend her own court hearings, a fact officially confirmed by the Chief Medical Officer of the Penitentiary Service. Despite repeated requests by her lawyers and public appeals, the court initially continued to keep her in detention.

Ultimately, as continued detention proved incompatible with her life and health, the Prosecutor’s Office itself filed a motion requesting that the preventive measure be changed. On 29 October 2025, Judge Tamar Mchedlishvili granted the motion and replaced Nino Datashvili’s pre-trial detention with bail in the amount of GEL 5,000, after which she was released from the penitentiary institution in order to receive medical treatment.

Both domestic and international human rights organisations have characterised Nino Datashvili’s case as politically motivated and have described it as part of a broader campaign of repression against civil activists.

The principal concerns and assessments expressed by human rights organisations may be grouped into several categories:

Lack of justification for detention: The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), in its Amicus Curiaesubmission, stated that the use of pre-trial detention was entirely unjustified, as there was no real risk that Datashvili would abscond, interfere with witnesses, or commit a new offence. The Public Defender of Georgia likewise concluded that the continued extension of her detention relied on abstract risks and failed to take proper account of her serious medical condition.

Soviet-style psychiatric repression: The organisation Partnership for Human Rights (PHR), together with mental health professionals, strongly condemned the request for a compulsory psychiatric examination. In their assessment, relying on a single reference extracted from Datashvili’s medical history—namely “emotional lability”—to justify such a measure represented a return to Soviet-style repressive practices and amounted to inhuman and degrading treatment.

International response: The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders (FIDH) characterised Datashvili’s detention as arbitrary detention and judicial harassment intended to punish her for exercising her rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.

Violation of the right to health: International organisations further noted that the authorities’ failure to provide Datashvili with adequate medical care while in detention (FIDH), together with their disregard for her severe physical suffering, constituted a serious violation of fundamental human rights standards.

On 12 June 2025, Judge Nino Galustashvili of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced 21-year-old Mate Devidze, one of the so-called “prisoners of conscience,” to four years and six months’ imprisonment. Devidze had been charged under Article 353¹(1) of the Criminal Code, which criminalises an attack on a police officer.

On 18 June 2025, Judge Lela Tsagareishvili of the Tbilisi City Court imposed a GEL 4,000 fine on Baia Pataraia, Executive Director of the women’s rights organisation Sapari. Pataraia was found liable for insulting Mamuka Mdinaradze, Tea Tsulukiani, and Mariam Lashkhi in Facebook posts.

On 23 June 2025, poet Zviad Ratiani was arrested during a protest held outside the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue. During the protest, Ratiani slapped a police officer in the face as an act of protest.

On 25 June, Judge Arsen Kalatozishvili of the Tbilisi City Court granted the Prosecutor’s Office’s motion and ordered pre-trial detention as a preventive measure. Ratiani has been charged under Article 353¹(1) of the Criminal Code, which concerns an attack on a police officer and carries a penalty of four to seven years’ imprisonment.