Transparency International Georgia (TI Georgia) published a report on illegal arrests and unrestricted force by police in Tbilisi and Batumi on January 11-12, 2025. The Legal Aid Network of NGOs reported that more than ten peaceful demonstrators were detained, some of whom are still held in detention facilities.
Primary concerns outlined by TI Georgia:
- Excessive Force: Detainees reported physical, psychological, and verbal abuse during and after arrests.
- Denied Medical Attention: One detainee, hospitalized for a head injury, is still under detention despite legal requests for release.
- Restricted Legal Access: Meetings between lawyers and detainees were delayed, preventing timely legal aid.
- Journalist Targeted: Mzia Amaghlobeli, journalist and director of Batumelebi, was detained, released, and arrested again. She reports alleged police mistreatment and may face charges under Article 353¹ of the Criminal Code, a potential prison sentence of 4-7 years.
NGOs like the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), Transparency International Georgia, and Democracy Research Institute support detainees and their rights. These organizations call for police accountability for their actions, demand proper medical care for injured detainees, and the immediate release of unlawfully arrested protesters.
