- Anti-government protests demanding new elections and prisoner releases continue across Georgia.
- Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi has been blocked by demonstrators for over 150 consecutive days.
- Authorities are accused of intensifying repression and introducing restrictive laws.
- Dozens of protesters and activists remain imprisoned on criminal charges.
- The Georgian Young Lawyers Association reported allegations of police mistreatment and abuse by detained protesters.
Popular protests demanding new elections and the release of detained individuals continue across Georgia, ongoing since what has been described as a long and difficult winter marked by intensified repression. As of April 27, Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi has remained blocked to traffic by demonstrators for the 151st consecutive day.
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Rustaveli Avenue Blockade Continues Over 150 Days
Demonstrators are calling for a rerun of national elections, the immediate release of those they say were illegally detained during previous rallies, and the resignation of the government. On Saturday, April 26, pro-EU protests marked their 150th consecutive day. Protesters marched toward the Prosecutor’s Office in Tbilisi, stating it is the institution where false charges are allegedly fabricated against detained activists. The demonstration proceeded amid a heavy mobilization of police forces around the building. Protesters carried banners with messages including, “Resign, the illegitimate government, freedom for the regime’s prisoners.” (Source: Civil.ge liveblog)
Authorities Intensify Repression Against Protesters
The ruling Georgian Dream party, which reportedly sits alone in the parliament with its offshoots, is accused of intensifying repression. Authorities have allegedly introduced a series of repressive laws aimed at further stifling dissent, independent media, and civil society. Forty-nine protesters reportedly remain in prison on criminal charges, including journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli. Protesters have reported enduring brutal police repression. (Source: Civil.ge liveblog)
Legal Cases and Detentions of Protesters, Activists
Recent days have seen court activity involving numerous individuals detained during the protests. On April 24, Tbilisi City Court held a hearing for 11 detained protesters. On April 23, the court held a pre-trial hearing for eight individuals accused of organizing group violence. Politician Giorgi Vashadze was ordered to pay 50,000 GEL bail on April 23, following charges filed against him on April 22 for failing to appear before a parliamentary commission. Activist Levan Zazadze was sentenced to 12 days of administrative detention on April 23, and activist Giorgi Ortoidze was placed in five-day pretrial custody on April 22 following detentions during Easter protests. A court also heard the case of detained journalist and activist Nika Katsia on drug-related charges on April 22. (Source: Civil.ge liveblog)
Reports of Police Mistreatment Emerge
The Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA) reported on April 25 that ten individuals arrested on criminal charges during the ongoing protests have reported cases of police mistreatment during arrest, transport, and detention. According to GYLA, the described conduct amounts to criminal offenses, including torture, threats of torture, and inhuman or degrading treatment. The report named several individuals making these allegations, including Mzia Amaghlobeli, Saba Skhvitaridze, and Revaz Kiknadze. (Source: GYLA via Civil.ge liveblog)
International Concern and Solidarity Expressed
The situation in Georgia has drawn international attention and concern. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski voiced strong concern on April 23, stating that Georgia’s EU aspiration is at risk and blaming the authorities, not the citizens. He also commented that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will shape the future of countries like Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia. The International Press Institute (IPI) stated on April 22 that the arrest of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, who has been in prison for 100 days, is “a clear attempt by the ruling Georgian Dream party to silence critical voices” and dismantle the free press. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen welcomed the UK’s sanctioning of Georgian Dream officials on April 22, praising the action against those responsible for “brutal violence” and repression against citizens and calling for accountability. A protest in Batumi was held on April 25 in solidarity with Mzia Amaghlobeli. (Source: Civil.ge liveblog citing various reports and statements)
Fines Issued Against Journalists, Citizens
Fines have been levied against journalists, including Irina Makaridze, fined 5,000 GEL on April 25 for allegedly blocking the road, and Mariam Nikuradze, who received her fourth fine, totaling 20,000 GEL, for a similar alleged offense on April 23. Separately, several citizens reported receiving 5,000 GEL parking fines, which the Interior Ministry linked to violations of the law on assembly, despite some individuals claiming they do not own cars. (Source: Civil.ge liveblog)