“Justice and accountability require more than criminal charges against five police officers for attacks on protesters,” stated Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, commenting on the detention of five law enforcement officers regarding acts of violence against protester Zviad Maisashvili, opposition politician Levan Khabeishvili, and journalist Guram Rogava during the 2024 protest actions.
“Responsibility for the widespread use of force by police during the dispersal of protests against peaceful demonstrators, journalists, and government critics since 2024 must not be limited to the recent arrest of five law enforcement officers, which has already occurred with a 17-month delay.
Amnesty International has documented dozens of cases of unlawful use of force, alleged torture, and other forms of ill-treatment, as well as severe injuries (including bone fractures) inflicted on individuals who were merely exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Hundreds of protesters have complained of such treatment. Justice means accountability for all these cases. The arrest of only these five individuals does little to change the broader picture of impunity in Georgia and the fact that dozens of cases of torture and other ill-treatment remain without effective investigation.
The investigation by the Prosecutor General’s Office must extend to all individuals under suspicion, including those who gave the orders, as well as those who failed in their duty to prevent human rights violations. It is essential that accountability extends throughout the entire chain of command and covers all documented instances of unlawful police actions,” stated Denis Krivosheev.
Ex-State Inspector: Mamuka Mdinaradze could have committed a criminal offense
