Tbilisi

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.

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – June 2024

Context

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

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

Incidents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Documented Incidents Against Civil Activists – July 2025

Context

The incidents documented in July 2025 continue to indicate the use of repressive legal mechanisms against civil activists, as well as incidents of physical violence. During the month, several activists detained in connection with pro-European protests were sentenced to terms of imprisonment by the courts.

In addition to convictions in criminal cases, two incidents involving physical violence and ill-treatment against musicians engaged in civic activism were documented in July. These incidents were linked to their participation in, or association with, protest-related cultural expression, including the performance of the protest song “Ole Ola.” In both cases, the victims stated that the attacks or threats against them were directly connected to this activity.

Overall, the incidents documented in July demonstrate a pattern in which criminal prosecution, deprivation of liberty, and acts of physical violence are directed against individuals who either directly participate in protest activities or are associated with protest-related cultural and public expression.

Incidents

On 3 July 2025, Judge Nino Galustashvili of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced 21-year-old Giorgi Mindadze to five years’ imprisonment. The Prosecutor’s Office charged Mindadze under Article 353¹(1) of the Criminal Code, which concerns an attack on a police officer and carries a sentence of four to seven years’ imprisonment. The prosecution alleged that Mindadze fired pyrotechnics at an employee of the Special Tasks Department (STD).

On 6 July 2025, musician, actor and television presenter Vano Tarkhnishvili was attacked and physically assaulted by unidentified individuals near his residential apartment building. The actor linked the attack to his performance of the song “Ole Ola” at a pub in Tbilisi in January 2025. Following the incident, Tarkhnishvili published a photograph showing bruising around his eye and nose.

On 8 July 2025, musician Aleksandre Kordzaia (Kordz) was attacked by unidentified individuals. According to the musician, he had been receiving threatening letters for six months prior to the attack. Kordzaia linked the assault to the protest song “Ole Ola,” for which he composed the musical arrangement. It is noteworthy that Vano Tarkhnishvili and Davit Gabunia had also been attacked in connection with performing the same song.

On 18 July 2025, Judge Jvebe Nachkebia of the Tbilisi City Court sentenced Anri Kvaratskhelia to four years and six months’ imprisonment. Kvaratskhelia had been charged under Article 353¹(1) of the Criminal Code, which concerns an attack on a police officer and carries a sentence of four to seven years’ imprisonment. The Prosecutor’s Office alleged that Kvaratskhelia endangered officers of the Special Tasks Department (STD) by throwing a Molotov cocktail. However, no police officer was physically injured in the incident. Kvaratskhelia denied the charges and maintained that the case against him had been fabricated.

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

Parliament Suspends Accreditation of “TV Pirveli” Journalist Nata Kajaia for One Year

The Parliament has suspended the accreditation of “TV Pirveli” journalist Nata Kajaia for a period of one year. The Parliament’s decision regarding this was made public by journalist and TV presenter Nodar Meladze.

The reason for the one-year suspension of Nata Kajaia’s accreditation was recording an interview with a Member of Parliament despite their refusal.

The Parliament had previously made decisions against Nata Kajaia twice—first in 2024, and the next time in 2025, when the journalist’s accreditation was suspended for a period of six months.

The tightening of rules for the media in the legislative body began in February 2023. Several security measures were introduced in the Parliament, during which non-accredited journalists are banned from entering the Parliament. Also, it became possible to suspend a journalist’s accreditation based on a Member of Parliament’s request. Furthermore, from January 1, 2026, a new rule for issuing one-time special accreditation came into force, which also created additional barriers for journalists. All these measures have been repeatedly used against journalists.

Parliament Suspends Accreditation of “TV Pirveli” Journalist Maka Chikhladze

The Parliament has suspended the accreditation of “TV Pirveli” journalist Maka Chikhladze. Nodar Meladze, a journalist and TV presenter for TV Pirveli, published a post about this on social media. Chikhladze’s accreditation was suspended for a period of 6 months. The reason was continuing an interview despite a Member of Parliament’s refusal.

“In the last three weeks, three journalists from ‘Shabatis Eteri’ [Saturday Broadcast] Maka Chikhladze, Maka Andronikashvili, and Natalia Kajaia have had their Parliament of Georgia accreditation suspended for 1, 6, and 12 months, based on completely unsubstantiated grounds! When they don’t want to answer questions, the simple solution is to block the journalists,” Nodar Meladze wrote on Facebook.

Parliament Suspends Accreditation of “TV Pirveli” Journalist Maka Andronikashvili

The Parliament has suspended the accreditation of “TV Pirveli” journalist Maka Andronikashvili for a period of one month. Nodar Meladze, a journalist and TV presenter for “TV Pirveli,” published a post about this on social media. The reason for the suspension of her accreditation was continuing an interview despite a Member of Parliament’s refusal.

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 – December 2025

Context

The incidents documented in December 2025 indicate both the continued trend of detentions and administrative detention in the context of protest assemblies, and the expansion of legal and investigative mechanisms against civil society, media actors and experts. During the month, a number of activists were detained on Rustaveli Avenue and at other protest locations, mainly on allegations of blocking a road during an assembly or failing to comply with police orders.

During the same period, a case of physical violence against an activist was also documented. In addition, Georgian Dream adopted and brought into force legislative amendments that significantly tighten the regulation of assemblies and demonstrations, including by introducing stricter administrative liability for violations of prior notification requirements and restrictions on movement.

In December, particular attention was drawn to the investigation related to the BBC investigative film, within the framework of which the State Security Service summoned doctors, researchers and civil society representatives for questioning in various procedural capacities. This process was assessed as a series of acts of pressure and intimidation against civil society.

Overall, the incidents documented in December highlight three main trends: detentions during protest assemblies, the tightening of regulations governing assemblies, and pressure on civil society through investigative actions.

Incidents

On 1 December 2025, the BBC published an investigative report alleging that the Georgian authorities had used a First World War-era chemical substance to disperse the anti-government demonstrations of 2024. Within the framework of the investigation, more than 160 investigative actions were carried out and 93 witnesses were questioned, including current and former employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, doctors, experts and respondents featured in the British broadcaster’s report.

The State Security Service opened an investigation following the publication of the BBC investigative report under Articles 333 and 319 of the Criminal Code. These provisions concern abuse of official authority and assistance to a foreign organization in hostile activities.

According to the State Security Service, the purpose of the investigation is to establish in detail “what information formed the basis of the interviews of the persons relied upon in the information disseminated by the BBC, the information voiced by them, and how relevant that information may be.”

The State Security Service considers it a fact only that, “on the one hand, the disseminated material contains elements of a crime which, if confirmed, is directed against the life and health of citizens and substantially violates their and the public’s lawful interests,” while “on the other hand, conversely, it contains elements of a crime that grossly damages Georgia’s national interests, its international image and reputation, and is directed against state interests.”

On 2 December 2025, in connection with the BBC investigation, the State Security Service summoned citizens to the agency for questioning. Among them were doctors Gela Ghunashvili and Konstantine Chakhunashvili, who are co-authors of the study featured in the investigative film. Speaking to TV Pirveli, Chakhunashvili noted that the questions mainly concerned his CV and the subject matter of their scientific publications. Chakhunashvili stated that information about their work is public and can be accessed by any person.

On 3 December, in connection with the BBC investigative film, the State Security Service summoned Eka Gigauri, Director of Transparency International Georgia, and activist Mikheil Zakareishvili, who participated in the scientific study conducted by doctor Konstantine Chakhunashvili, for questioning as witnesses. Eka Gigauri was questioned before a magistrate judge. According to her, she was not asked questions concerning intoxication; rather, the State Security Service was mainly interested in whether Gigauri had received any form of remuneration for providing a comment to the BBC, which the Director of Transparency International Georgia assessed as an incomprehensible question.

On 3 December, doctor Davit Chakhunashvili and academic Giorgi Chakhunashvili were also questioned before a magistrate judge. According to Davit Chakhunashvili, investigators asked questions concerning the study conducted by the group of doctors and were interested in whether the study referred to the substance “camite.”

On 6 December 2025, during a protest held near the Government Administration in Tbilisi, law enforcement officers detained activist Giorgi Melitauri. The protest march, held under the slogan “The regime is poisoning us — conduct an international investigation,” was moving from the Parliament building towards the Government Administration. Demonstrators were demanding an international investigation and the examination of substances contained in the water cannon used during the dispersal of the November–December 2024 protests.

On 9 December 2025, activist Roman Akopov was allegedly ambushed near his residence and physically assaulted. The activist himself published photographs on social media.

On 10 December 2025, Georgian Dream considered under an expedited procedure and adopted in the third reading a draft law making it mandatory to notify the police five days in advance of holding an assembly in a place used for the movement of people or transport. In addition, under the legislative amendments, obstructing the free movement of people on sidewalks is prohibited. According to the new amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations, violation of the rules, including obstructing pedestrian movement on sidewalks or failure to notify the authorities five days in advance of an assembly, entails, for a first offence, administrative detention of up to 15 days for an ordinary participant and up to 20 days for an organizer. Repeated commission of the same offence is classified as a criminal offence.

On 12 December 2025, civil activist Nene Gablaia was detained on Rustaveli Avenue. Footage disseminated on social media shows several police officers placing Gablaia into a detention vehicle.

On 20 December 2025, tensions escalated during an ongoing protest on Rustaveli Avenue. Police detained activist Isako Devidze. According to protest participants, Devidze was apprehended by around ten police officers through the use of force.