Rights Chief Calls on Georgian Authorities to Protect Basic Freedoms
December 2, 2024
Tbilisi, Georgia – The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatović, has called on the Georgian authorities to protect basic freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and association.
In a statement released on Friday, Mijatović expressed concern over the recent crackdowns on protests and the arrest of journalists and political activists in Georgia. She said that these actions “raise serious questions about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the country.”
“Freedom of expression, assembly, and association are fundamental pillars of a democratic society,” Mijatović said. “They are essential for a healthy public debate and for the functioning of civil society. I urge the Georgian authorities to respect these freedoms and to ensure that they are not unjustly curtailed.”
Mijatović also called on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged use of excessive force by police against protesters and to hold those responsible accountable.
“It is crucial that the authorities take all necessary measures to prevent further violations of human rights and to restore public trust in the institutions of the state,” she said.
The Commissioner’s statement comes amid growing international concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia. In recent months, there have been several reports of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and ill-treatment of government critics.
The government has defended its actions, saying that it is necessary to maintain public order and to protect the rights of all citizens. However, critics say that the crackdown on dissent is part of a broader effort by the government to silence its opponents and consolidate its power.
The United States and the European Union have both expressed concern over the human rights situation in Georgia and have called on the government to respect the rights of its citizens.
Additional Information
- Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe: www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner
- Human Rights in Georgia: www.hrw.org/europe/central-asia/georgia
- US Department of State Report on Human Rights in Georgia: www.state.gov/reports/2019-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/georgia/
- European Union Report on Human Rights in Georgia: eeas.europa.eu/en/european-neighbourhood-policy/countries-southern-caucasus/georgia/eu-georgia-cooperation/human-rights
Rights chief calls on Georgian authorities to protect basic freedoms
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