Rights defenders criticize Georgian authorities for restricting freedom of self-expression

Law enforcers stick to especially tough approach with regard to demonstrations critical of the government, and their actions are aimed at restricting the freedom of self-expression, rather than at responding to violations, the NGO "Georgian Democratic Initiative" (GDI) states in its report.

On January 31, 2020, the NGO presented its report on the freedom of self-expression in the country; it was prepared with the financial support of the "Open Society Georgia" Fund. The aim of the report is a systematic analysis of the recent situation with the freedom of speech.

In its report, the GDI has analyzed the violent disruption of demonstrations, and the arrests conducted on June 20, 2019; the disruption of demonstrations, and the arrests of November 18 and 26, 2019; the dismantling of tents in the vicinity of the parliament; and the administrative arrests committed on December 30-31, 2019.

Georgian authorities have restricted the right to assembly and the freedom of demonstration in violation of the existing country's normative base. In most cases, the reaction of law enforcement bodies to demonstrators' actions is based on the principle of selective justice. Law enforcement bodies stick to especially tough approach with regard to demonstrations that are critical of the government. Law enforcers' actions are aimed at restricting the freedom of self-expression, and not at responding to violations. The use of disproportionate force by law enforcement bodies against protesters is causing concerns, the report of the GDI has stated.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 1, 2020 at 11:31 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.