Republic of Georgia: Rights Official Condemns 'Torture' of Protestors

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Facts

  • Georgia's Ombudsman, Levan Ioseliani, has accused police of using torture against protesters, citing systematic injuries to the faces, eyes, and heads of detained demonstrators.[1]
  • Mass protests began on Nov. 28 in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, and other cities after the government announced that it would suspend EU accession talks until 2028.[2]
  • More than 330 protesters have been detained during demonstrations, while 143 police officers have required medical treatment, as authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons against crowds waving EU and Georgian flags.[3][4]
  • Large protests erupted across the country following the disputed Oct. 26 parliamentary elections. The ruling Georgian Dream party claimed victory with 54% of the vote, though the European Parliament declared the elections neither free nor fair.[3]
  • The US suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia and condemned the government's anti-democratic actions, while the EU expressed serious concerns about the country's democratic backsliding.[5]
  • However, Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed international criticism, vowed to 'completely eradicate liberal fascism in Georgia,' and insisted the country remains committed to eventual EU membership.[4][6]

Sources: [1]Reuters, [2]Guardian, [3]Associated Press, [4]France 24 (a), [5]CNN and [6]France 24 (b).

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Civil Georgia and PEN International. The government's crackdown on peaceful protesters represents systematic repression reminiscent of Russian methods, targeting journalists and opposition leaders while betraying Georgia's constitutional commitment to European integration and democratic values.
  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by TASS. These government moves come after the EU has attempted to Blackmail Georgia into submission to the bloc's terms. Officials are taking a dignified and legitimate stand against European hegemony through their refusal to engage in accession talks under these conditions, and Georgians should back the decision.

Predictions