Brutal crackdowns on democracy activists continue in Georgia
The protests in Georgia have been going on ever since the heavily critisised elections 26 October. And the response from the regime is harsh. Civil Rights Defenders’ programme officer, Moreta Bobokhidze, has been in the middle of the protests since the start. She has witnessed police brutality firsthand.
”I am shocked that even the local police use the brutal force that they do. It is not only the special forces, but also ordinary policemen,” says Moreta Bobokhidze.
Thousands of demonstrators are out on the streets in Georgia, outside the parliament building and the ruling party Georgian Dream headquarters in Tbilisi, as well as in several major cities across Georgia. The response from the police is getting more and more violent. The riot police were using pepper spray, water cannons, tear gas, and physical violence against demonstrators, opposition figures, and journalists.
What is happening with the protests right now?
”The demonstrations will not cease until the government resorts to its final abusive measures. Public anger is growing, and more people are taking to the streets to express their defiance against the riot police and the oligarchic, autocratic system. The protesters stand firm in refusing to accept having their votes stolen, the restriction of their rights to freedom of expression and speech through draconian laws, and the dismissal of their desire to join the European Union. These are their reasons to stand united and say NO to a government that they feel ignores the will of its people,” says Moreta Bobokhidze.
“The police have also started full-scale raids at homes and offices of the political parties, NGOs, activists, social media group creators, influencers. Searches and arrests are ongoing. The organization Public Defender reported 320 people arrested, amongst 256 severely beaten,” says Moreta Bobokhidze.
You are joining the protests and were attacked by police yourself, what happened?
”I am a citizen of Georgia and I cannot sit silent while this is happening. We were a group of about 30 women holding a peaceful protest in front of the police station. Our goal was to urge the authorities to end violent arrests, release detainees, and protect peaceful citizens like us. Instead, they laughed at us. I approached the stairs to ask why they refused to engage with us and why they were assaulting citizens. One officer responded by forcefully pushing me down the stairs with his entire body,” says Moreta Bobokhidze.
”These police officers are our countrymen, funded by the Georgian citizens, in place to keep us safe. It is shocking to see the brutality in which they engage with the protesters. These are peaceful demonstrations for democracy and human rights,” says Moreta Bobokhidze.
How does the political landscape look now since Georgian Dream declared themselves the winners?
”The steps towards a less democratic society didn’t wait after Georgian Dream declared victory in the parliamentarian election they put a stop to the EU candidature. They have also recently decided to appoint the former footballer, Mikheil Kavelashvili, as the country’s new president. We have seen drastic steps towards a more repressive government,” says Moreta Bobokhidze.
Is this the end of democratic Georgia?
”I would like to say that I think we will see a re-election, or at least an improvement of the political direction the country is heading but things are looking very dark right now. However, there are so many Georgians demanding change, wanting democracy, so we can never give up hope,” says Moreta Bobokhidze.
Urge to the Georgian government
Civil Rights Defenders is closely monitoring the development in the country On Friday we issued a statement urging the Georgian government to respect the right to peaceful assembly and refrain from using excessive force against demonstrators.
