**Police Accountability Lacking in Georgia, Says Public Defender**
A report by the Public Defender of Georgia has highlighted a worrying trend of human rights violations during protests in the country. According to the report, the failure to hold law enforcement officers accountable for violence committed during last spring’s protests created a precondition for the use of disproportionate force and ill-treatment during protests from November 28, 2024 to March 1, 2025.
Public Defender Levan Ioseliani presented the 2024 report at a plenary session, stating that an increasing trend of ill-treatment was observed. He noted that no criminal prosecution was initiated against any law enforcement officer, while the number of detainees reached several hundred. Ioseliani also highlighted that special forces were not equipped with identification marks, making it difficult to hold them accountable.
**Ill-Treatment on the Rise**
The report reveals that 267 out of 422 individuals visited by the Public Defender and their representatives indicated ill-treatment during the winter protests. This is a significant increase from previous periods, indicating a worrying trend of human rights abuses. Ioseliani also noted that persecution and violence against civil activists, journalists, and public figures were common during this period.
**Investigation Services Lacking**
The report criticizes the Special Investigation Service for not conducting investigations in accordance with standards. Ioseliani expressed concerns that the investigation materials of the criminal cases related to the spring protests were not properly handled. He proposed specific investigative procedural actions and changes to classification, but these suggestions have yet to be implemented.
**Administrative Detention Issues**
The report also highlights issues with administrative detention, stating that gaps in legislation remain unaddressed. The Public Defender has been pointing out these problems for years, but they still persist. Ioseliani noted that the authority to review the legality of administrative detention is problematic when a person challenges it before a judge.
**Protests and Police Response**
The report notes that 2024 was marked by numerous political gatherings of various scales and forms. However, the police response varied in intensity, with some protests being dispersed entirely, rather than responding individually to violent actions. This approach led to disproportionate restrictions on human rights.
In conclusion, the Public Defender’s report paints a worrying picture of human rights violations during protests in Georgia. The lack of accountability for law enforcement officers and the failure to address administrative detention issues are major concerns that need to be addressed by authorities.
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