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

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – July 2024

Context

In July, a pattern was documented of the use of legal mechanisms, the imposition of judicial sanctions, and summonses to investigative authorities against activists and critically minded citizens. The documented cases indicate that administrative and investigative mechanisms were used against persons who publicly expressed protest or were actively involved in public processes, serving the purpose of suppressing protest in society.

Incidents:

On 1 July 2024, the court fined citizen Mariam Tsitsikashvili GEL 700 after she expressed protest against Viktor Japaridze. Tsitsikashvili had been administratively detained on 9 June under Article 166 of the Code of Administrative Offences — petty hooliganism.

On 23 July 2024, the court fined Davit Katsarava GEL 2,000. Katsarava had been abducted from an anti-Russian protest by special forces officers on 14 May and severely beaten. The judge terminated the proceedings in relation to Article 166, while finding Katsarava administratively liable under Article 173 — failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer. Katsarava was also prohibited from carrying a firearm for a period of two years.

On 23 July 2024, a dismissed employee of Tbilisi Public School No. 51 linked her dismissal to her participation in protests against the so-called “Russian Law.” Manana Ghvinjilia said that after the protests ended, the school administration asked her to write a resignation letter and leave her position. The teacher assessed the incident as political pressure.

On 20–25 July 2024, the State Security Service of Georgia summoned and questioned Georgian veterans fighting in Ukraine and activists as witnesses in court in connection with a confidential investigation under the articles of overthrow of the state and terrorism. According to Georgian Dream leaders and lawyers, the investigation concerns an alleged version of “preparation of an attack” against Georgian Dream honorary chairperson Bidzina Ivanishvili and other high-ranking officials.

In the so-called “coup case,” the SSG summoned Nadim Khmaladze, a fighter in Ukraine and opponent of the “Russian Law,” while on 23 July it summoned Ukraine war veteran Gela Kakhabrishvili. Within the framework of the investigation, Ukraine war veterans Vazha Tsatsadze, Lasha Chighladze, Beso Bendeliani, Konstantine Jghamaia, and Lasha Rukhaia were also among the persons to be questioned by the SSG

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – January 2025

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

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

Incidents

5 January 2025

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

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

8 January 2025

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

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

10 January 2025

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

11 January 2025

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

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

11 January 2025

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

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

12 January 2025

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

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

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

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

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

Specifically:

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

11–12 January 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

13 January 2025

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

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

13 January 2025

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

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

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

18 January 2025

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

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

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

20 January 2025

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

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

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

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

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

20 January 2025

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

26 January 2025

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

29 January 2025

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

20 January 2025

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

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

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

27 January 2025

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

30 January 2025

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

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

Incidents documented against civil activists – February 2025

Context

The incidents documented in February 2025 show that, during the month of February, the practice of pressure directed against civil activists continued actively. The cases described during the reporting period include administrative detentions, criminal prosecution, physical violence, financial sanctions, as well as alleged discriminatory decisions related to professional activity.

A significant part of the documented cases is linked to peaceful protest activity, including participation in demonstrations and the public expression of positions. At the same time, in a number of cases, there are indications of the use of force and ill-treatment by law enforcement bodies, pointing to risks of restrictions on the freedoms of assembly and expression.

Incidents:

On 2 February 2025, on the 67th day of the pro-European protests, a protest assembly was held in Tbilisi, near Tbilisi Mall, demanding the holding of new elections and the release of persons detained during the protests. During the assembly, police physically assaulted participants and detained a total of 31 persons under administrative procedure.

Among those detained were former President of the National Bank of Georgia Giorgi Kadagidze and Badri Grigalashvili, a political activist of the Coalition for Change, who was later removed from the police detention vehicle together with two other detainees. According to available information, one of them had visible injuries on his face. At the 2 February protest, detainees were physically assaulted by special forces officers under the command of Zviad Kharazishvili. Among the victims was chef Zurab Shonia, who was struck on the head by special forces officers. The activist had to be transferred to Ingorokva Clinic.

A statement disseminated by the Public Defender reads: “The facts of ill-treatment and excessive use of force by police against citizens, journalists and politicians, as reflected in video footage disseminated through public sources, are alarming. Information is also being disseminated about an injured TV Pirveli camera operator as a result of actions by police officers. We also saw, live on air, footage of verbal insults by police officers against women, including female politicians.”

On 4 February 2025, charges were aggravated against eight persons detained on 2 February near Tbilisi Mall — Irakli Tabatadze, Nikoloz Kutubidze, Vasil Eliava, Aleksandre Gogoladze, Dimitri Bidzinashvili, Gigi Ugulava, Irakli Tsignadze and Nikoloz Qumsishvili — who had initially been accused of an administrative offence. The Prosecutor’s Office accused them of committing an offence under Article 19-222 of the Criminal Code. This concerns an attempted group blockade of an object of strategic or special importance. The court imposed bail as a preventive measure on all eight persons and released them from the courtroom.

On 6 February 2025, at dawn, police detained three students of Tbilisi State University and Georgian Technical University — Achi Gochitashvili, Luka Khizadze and Giorgi Barbakadze. All three were demanding, from the corridor of the State University, the release of their comrades held in unlawful captivity and the holding of new elections. They were accused of failure to comply with a lawful order of a law enforcement officer, which is punishable under Article 173 of the Code of Administrative Offences by a fine or administrative detention.

On 11 February 2025, police fined Zura Tsetskhladze, the father of prisoner of conscience Zviad Tsetskhladze, GEL 5,000 on the basis of Article 174 of the Code of Administrative Offences. According to Zura Tsetskhladze, up to seven police officers were waiting for him near his home and served him with the fine report.

On 11 February 2025, four persons were detained during an ongoing pro-European protest on Rustaveli Avenue. Two of them were released on the basis of a written undertaking. Among those detained were Levan Gogichaishvili, Kakha Turmanidze and Giorgi Okribelashvili, the father of prisoner of conscience Omar Okribelashvili.

On 15 February 2025, the court fined Bacho Dolidze GEL 5,000. He was accused, in connection with the 11 February protest, of artificially blocking a road under Article 174 of the Code of Administrative Offences.

On 18 February 2025, civil activist Nikoloz Latsabidze was attacked by four unidentified individuals. The incident took place on Andronikashvili Street. The activist underwent medical examinations at Viva Med Clinic and was diagnosed with a concussion.

On 18 February 2025, Judge Koba Chagunava found civil activist Isako Devidze liable for an administrative offence and fined him GEL 5,000, while activist Mariam Gachechiladze was issued a verbal warning.

Isako Devidze had been detained on 19 November 2024 on Melikishvili Avenue. On 20 November, he was sentenced to eight days of detention on charges of petty hooliganism and failure to comply with a lawful order of a police officer.

On 20 February 2025, employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs fined Lasha Diarov, a member of Strategy Aghmashenebeli. Diarov was accused of artificially blocking the carriageway on 14 February.

On 20 February 2025, several participants in the pro-European protest were issued fines. Eka Siradze, former Ambassador of Georgia to France, was fined GEL 5,000 for participating in the protest. Giorgi Kirakozashvili, the son of a soldier who died heroically in the August War, was fined GEL 1,000, while Nadim Khmaladze was served with two fine notices and is required to pay a total of GEL 25,000 in fines.

On 24 February 2025, teachers dismissed from their jobs spoke to TV Pirveli about political repression. Sophio Roinishvili, a former teacher at Kutaisi Public School No. 6, stated that her participation in a protest and a GEL 5,000 fine imposed for setting off fireworks became the basis for her dismissal. Manana Ghvinjilia, a dismissed teacher from Public School No. 51, is also preparing to defend her interests in court. According to her, she was dismissed before the elections solely because she was the head of the Chugureti organization of Strong Georgia.

On 27 February 2025, the court issued fines to participants in the pro-European protest. Judge Koba Chagunava fined parody artist Kartlos Natroshvili GEL 500 for standing at the Rustaveli protest. Judge Nino Enukidze also fined Nika Narsia on the grounds of road blocking.

Incidents documented against civil activists – August 2025

Context

The incidents documented in August 2025 indicate a continued intensification of criminal justice measures and institutional pressure against individuals and organizations associated with the protest movement. During the reporting period, criminal cases against detained protest participants before Tbilisi City Court entered their final stage. Courts convicted several individuals referred to by civil society actors as “prisoners of conscience” and imposed custodial sentences. In some cases, the courts reclassified the initial charges to less severe offences. Most defendants pleaded not guilty and maintained that the proceedings against them were politically motivated, while defence lawyers argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution lacked credibility.

During the same period, pressure on civil society organizations also intensified. By court order, the bank accounts of several Georgian non-governmental organizations were frozen. Civil society representatives assessed this measure as an attempt to restrict the activities of critical and human rights organizations.

Overall, the cases documented in August indicate that legal and institutional pressure linked to the protest movement continued at an intensive level, affecting both individual activists and civil society organizations.

Incidents

On 12 August 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Jvebe Nachkebia sentenced Anatoli Gigauri, who had been detained in connection with the pro-European protests, to two years’ imprisonment. The court reclassified the charge initially brought against Gigauri, which concerned an alleged attack on a police officer, to Article 353(1) of the Criminal Code, concerning resistance to a police officer committed with violence or threat of violence. Gigauri had been arrested in connection with an incident that took place on Rustaveli Avenue on 24 November 2024, allegedly involving a strike against police officer Vakhtang Gabunia. The defence argued that the incident had been preceded by violence by the same police officer, namely a blow to Gigauri’s face. According to Gigauri, the officer struck him first, before he moved his hand, and therefore he acted in necessary self-defence.

On 12 August 2025, Batumi City Court delivered its judgment in the case concerning the incident that took place at Batumi Arts University on 9 December 2024. The case concerned the attempt by protest participants to place a banner on the university building. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, university lecturer Tea Tsaguria prevented them from doing so, which was later followed by a physical confrontation involving her husband and another accompanying person. Several individuals were subsequently arrested on charges of group violence.

By the court’s decision, Batumi Arts University student Anri Kakabadze was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment. At the time the judgment was delivered, Kakabadze had already spent approximately seven months in pre-trial detention and was expected to remain in custody for a further two months to serve the sentence.

In the same case, Mamuka Jorbenadze, Dean of Batumi Arts University, was fined GEL 20,000; however, taking into account the period he had spent in pre-trial detention, the payable amount was reduced to GEL 18,000.

The court also imposed financial penalties on university students Guram Mikeladze, Davit Gvianidze and Giorgi Davitadze. Each was fined GEL 17,000; however, taking into account the period spent in pre-trial detention, the payable amount for each was reduced to GEL 15,000.

On 15 August 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili sentenced Davit Khomeriki, who had been detained in connection with the pro-European protests, to four years and six months’ imprisonment. The prosecution charged Khomeriki with preparation of an explosion under Articles 18 and 229 of the Criminal Code, an offence punishable by four to seven years’ imprisonment. Khomeriki pleaded not guilty and stated that the items and substances referred to in the case file did not belong to him.

On 22 August 2025, Tbilisi City Court Judge Giorgi Arevadze sentenced Archil Museliants, who had been detained in connection with the pro-European protests, to four years’ imprisonment. Museliants was accused of damaging the cables of surveillance cameras installed near Parliament during the protests, allegedly causing damage amounting to GEL 534. He had been charged under Article 187(2) of the Criminal Code, which concerns damage to property by arson and carries a penalty of three to six years’ imprisonment.

On 27 August 2025, upon a motion by the Prosecutor’s Office, Tbilisi City Court ordered the freezing of the bank accounts of seven Georgian civil society organizations. The measure affected the accounts of the Civil Society Foundation, ISFED, IDFI, GDI, Democracy Defenders, Sapari and the Social Justice Center.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the freezing of the organizations’ accounts was linked to criminal investigations initiated on the basis of a complaint filed by Vato Shakarishvili’s organization. The Prosecutor’s Office alleged that the organizations had financed the purchase of various protective items, including gas masks, protective goggles, medical masks, face coverings and pepper spray, which, according to the authorities, were allegedly used by protest participants during confrontations with police.

Incidents Documented Against Civil Activists – 11–31 December 2024

Context

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11 December

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

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

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

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

12 December

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

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

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

13 December

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14 December

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

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

15 December

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

16 December

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

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

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

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

19 December

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

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

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

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

20 December

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

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

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

23 December

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

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

26 December

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

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

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

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

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

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

27 December

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

29 December

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

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

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

30 December

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

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

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

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

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

Lawyer Shota Tutberidze Fined GEL 4,000 over Alleged Insult of MP Nino Tsilosani

Judge Davit Makaradze of Tbilisi City Court fined lawyer Shota Tutberidze GEL 4,000 over the alleged insult of Nino Tsilosani, a Member of Parliament from “Georgian Dream.”

The case concerns a comment left by Shota Tutberidze on Nino Tsilosani’s post of 2 June 2026. The post concerned a visit to Canada. Tutberidze wrote: “Should they insult you there as well, Niniko, or will you just visit the zoo and leave quickly?”

The complaint was not filed by the “Georgian Dream” MP herself. The administrative proceedings were initiated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Division for Combating Hate Speech under Article 173¹⁶(1) of the Code of Administrative Offences, which concerns the verbal insult of a political official.

This is the second publicly reported case handled by the new division. On 11 June, it became known that administrative proceedings had been initiated against musician Maia Darsmelidze over a post concerning Nino Jgharkava, a person affiliated with “Georgian Dream.”

The new division within the Ministry of Internal Affairs became operational on 1 June. According to the Ministry, the division’s main task is to identify statements disseminated in the public space that degrade human dignity or are insulting, and that may contain elements of an administrative offence.

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.

Duta Javakhishvili Fined GEL 5,000 in Case Concerning the Blocking of a Roadway

Judge Manuchar Tsatsua of Tbilisi City Court found Duta Javakhishvili, a person with a disability, liable for an administrative offence and imposed a fine of GEL 5,000. The Ministry of Internal Affairs alleged that Javakhishvili had blocked the roadway on 7 February.

In the case of persons with disabilities, the law provides for a GEL 5,000 fine instead of administrative detention. According to Duta Javakhishvili, the decision will be appealed.

Two Demonstrators Found Administratively Liable in Case Concerning Alleged “Artificial Blocking” of a Roadway

Judge Tornike Kapanadze delivered a decision in the case of two demonstrators, Nestan Mamatsashvili and Natia Gopodze. The case concerned the alleged “artificial blocking” of a roadway on 31 January, during one of the Saturday marches.

The proceedings against Mamatsashvili and Gopodze were consolidated and heard jointly. The court found both demonstrators liable for an administrative offenceThe court found both demonstrators liable for an administrative offence. Since Mamatsashvili is the mother of minor children, administrative detention could not be imposed on her; instead, the court imposed a fine of GEL 5,000. Natia Gopodze was sentenced to two days of administrative detention.

Civil activist Tamuna Kirtava fined 5,000 GEL in a road-blocking case

Tbilisi City Court fined civil activist Tamuna Kirtava 5,000 GEL in relation to the alleged blocking of a road on 31 January, during the “Saturday March”. The decision was delivered by Judge Davit Makaradze.

The case was examined under administrative proceedings. After the representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs learned that Kirtava has an 11-year-old child and that the law did not allow the use of administrative detention against her, the Ministry requested the court to impose a fine.

“[…] The fact that I am sitting here is already an injustice. You may even send me to detention. Your decision does not have decisive importance. I am sitting here because I stood at a protest,” Kirtava told the judge.