Violence Diary : Violence Diary - Human Rights Stories
On November 28, 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced Georgian Dream's decision not to include the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. This decision can rightly be seen as the culmination of the Georgian Dream's anti-European policy. The announcement followed the highly contested parliamentary elections of October 26, 2024, the results of which were rejected by the President of Georgia, opposition parties that surpassed the electoral threshold, and a significant portion of the population. The OSCE/ODIHR assessed the elections with an unprecedentedly critical report, highlighting numerous issues, including large-scale violations of the fundamental principle of voter secrecy. Compounding this is the de facto absence of international legitimacy for the elections.
Irakli Kobakhidze's statement sparked public outrage, triggering peaceful nationwide protests. Thousands of protesters continue to demand new parliamentary elections and the release of individuals detained during the demonstrations. Georgian Dream responded to these legitimate public protests with large-scale, brutal police force and repression. During peaceful demonstrations in front of Parliament, authorities have detained over 500 protesters to date. The majority were subjected to torture, degrading, or inhuman treatment, either during or after their arrest.
Both local and international organizations have confirmed the systemic use of torture against protesters. The World Organization Against Torture (OMCT), for instance, characterized the treatment of protesters by police forces as torture and inhuman treatment. The organization urged the authorities to immediately halt these acts and conduct a prompt and effective investigation.
Our goal is to gradually document and share the stories of torture, inhuman, and degrading treatment experienced by participants in the ongoing popular protests in Georgia at the hands of police forces.
The stories presented here are based on thoroughly verified information, including documented evidence, materials from investigative and judicial proceedings, medical records, media reports, public sources, and information gathered by lawyers. Each story underwent a rigorous fact-checking process, with all sources cross-referenced to ensure accuracy and reliability. These personal experiences highlight the importance of documenting human rights violations to safeguard the rule of law and protect freedom.
Each story is provided by organizations dedicated to protecting the interests of individuals who were at the protests and were negatively affected by the actions of police forces. The organizations involved are:
- Georgian Democracy Initiative (GDI);
- Partnership for Human Rights (PHR);
- The Social Justice Center (SJC);
- Transparency International Georgia (TI);
- Rights Georgia (RG);
- International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED);
- Democracy Research Institute (DRI); 8. The Human Rights Center (HRC)
News
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David Iasashvili's Story
Dragged away, beaten, and fined without evidence—Davit Iasashvili’s arrest at a protest raises troubling concerns about law enforcement practices. His story sheds light on detainee treatment and due process. Read more here.
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Gela Megrelidze's Story
Gela Megrelidze, a German citizen and photographer, was arrested, beaten, and charged after trying to help a fellow protester. His story raises urgent questions about human rights, due process, and police accountability. Read his testimony and stay informed.
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Giorgi Maisashvili's Story
Beaten unconscious, detained without medical care, and sentenced based only on police testimony—Giorgi Maisashvili’s arrest at a demonstration raises troubling questions about justice and human rights. Read his full story here.
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Shota Narsia's Story
Shota Narsia, a researcher and political science doctoral candidate, was violently arrested during a peaceful protest. Despite evidence of abuse, he was fined based on false testimony, while those responsible walked free.
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Lazare Maghlakelidze's Story
Lazare Maghlakelidze, a student, was detained during a protest and alleges he faced mistreatment while in custody. His story raises important questions about human rights, the right to peaceful assembly, and the need for accountability.
