Amnesty International has published a report on the human rights situation in Georgia, titled “Anatomy of Repression – Georgia: 500 Days of Protest, Crackdowns, and Resilience.”
The authors write that Georgia is experiencing one of its most severe crises since the restoration of independence, accusing the government of using authoritarian methods to retain power.
Amnesty International stated that the Georgian Dream party is using disinformation, repressive legislation, the police, and the judiciary to pressure political opponents, civil society, and independent media.
The NGO asserts that the “repressive” laws “On Transparency of Foreign Influence” and FARA have restricted the activities of non-governmental organizations and independent media, forcing dozens of organizations to scale back their operations or enter “survival mode.”
The report also focuses on the pro-European protests of 2024–2025. Amnesty International states that the authorities used force, tear gas, water cannons, and mass detentions against demonstrators. The authors note that many protesters reported ill-treatment, beatings, and other human rights violations.
The NGO criticizes Georgia’s judicial system, arguing that it is under government influence and is used to prosecute protesters.
Amnesty International writes that more than 150 people remain in detention in cases related to the pro-European protests.
Human rights defenders called on the Georgian authorities to repeal laws restricting freedom of expression and assembly, release detained protesters, ensure judicial independence, and investigate all instances of violence by law enforcement officers.
Meanwhile, Georgian Dream has previously stated that the adopted laws are aimed at ensuring the transparency of foreign funding and protecting national security, and that police actions during the protests were necessary to maintain public order.