People in Georgia continue to mobilise across the country and protest against the Georgian Dream party, whose actions increasingly jeopardise the country’s aspirations for European integration. The brutal crackdown on protests comes amidst a growing trend of curtailing civil liberties in Georgia, steering the country further away from its EU accession goals and placing it on an illiberal path. ARTICLE 19 strongly condemns the use of violence against protesters and journalists and urges the Georgian government to comply with its international obligations to respect, protect, and safeguard the right to freedom of expression and the right to protest.
The current wave of protests erupted on Friday night, 30 November, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would suspend EU accession talks until 2028.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in several cities across Georgia, reconfirming their wish to pursue a path towards European integration. The protests have been met with a harsh response from law enforcement. The police have been accused of excessive use of violence, with photos and videos of clashes involving water cannons and tear gas circulating online. So far, according to available information, more than 220 people have been arrested. In addition, several journalists covering the protests have raised alarms about being deliberately targeted by the security forces. Many have reported being beaten, with some requiring hospitalisation.
Georgia has been grappling with months of socio-political turmoil the opposition and civil society groups raise concerns over the ruling Georgian Dream party’s escalating crackdown on freedom of expression, media freedom and other fundamental rights. The decision to halt the dialogue with the EU – despite EU accession being enshrined in the constitution of Georgia – came shortly after the European Parliament adopted a resolution criticising October’s parliamentary elections as ‘neither free nor fair’.
These actions are widely seen as attempts to draw the country closer to Russia’s authoritarian influence. Democratic backsliding is further deepened by a series of illiberal and restrictive laws including the Russia-style foreign agents’ law and sweeping restrictions on LGBTQ+ rights.
ARTICLE 19 has previously denounced these laws as blatant violations of international human rights standards, imposing censorship on the media and undermining the resilience of civil society groups. We reiterate our call for the repeal of these discriminatory laws.
ARTICLE 19 stands in solidarity with the people of Georgia as they courageously call on the current government to uphold the constitution, adhere to international human rights standards, and steer away from an authoritarian path. We once again emphasise that the right to protest is a fundamental right, essential to a resilient and informed civil society. Protests serve as a critical tool for expressing public discontent or disappointment with political leaders and driving meaningful change. In addition, we reiterate the importance of allowing journalists to report freely on issues that are critical to citizens and the future of the country. Their work is essential for holding those in power accountable.
We also remind the Georgian government that under international human rights law, it has a duty to facilitate and protect protests as well as uphold media freedom. Any restrictions on protests are permissible only in limited circumstances and must meet strict criteria of legality, necessity, and proportionality. When assessing whether a restriction is necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate aim, authorities must consider whether the measure is the least intrusive means available.
At the same time, we strongly condemn the use of violence to suppress protests and attacks against journalists. These incidents must be thoroughly investigated. ARTICLE 19 has consistently highlighted that law enforcement should consider the use of force during protests only in exceptional circumstances and as a last resort.
Consult our #FreeToProtest campaign.