**Georgian Activist Sent to Pretrial Detention Amid Growing Concerns Over Police Crackdown**
A court in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi has sent activist and teacher Nino Datashvili to pretrial detention, sparking worries about the government’s growing crackdown on dissent. The move comes as authorities face criticism for allegedly applying heavy criminal charges to relatively minor incidents to silence opponents.
According to reports, Datashvili was arrested on June 20 and charged with assaulting a bailiff during a tense hearing at Tbilisi City Court on June 9. Video footage from the scene shows bailiffs dragging her out as she tries to free herself, screaming for help. Prosecutors claimed that she slapped a bailiff twice, causing physical pain, and tried to hit his foot with hers.
The arrest is the latest in a series of cases where activists and protesters have faced serious charges for minor incidents during anti-government demonstrations last year. Journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli has been in pre-trial detention for nearly five months on similar charges, while 21-year-old protester Mate Devidze was sentenced to four and a half years in jail earlier this month.
These cases have raised concerns about the fairness of trials and the credibility of police testimonies. Despite dozens of documented cases of police violence against protesters and journalists during the first weeks of demonstrations, no police officer has been held accountable.
The situation is increasingly worrying for human rights activists and opposition groups. “This is a clear example of how authorities are using the law to silence opponents,” said one activist. “Nino Datashvili was simply trying to exercise her right to protest and express herself. Instead, she’s facing serious charges that could land her in prison for years.”
The case against Datashvili has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that the charges are disproportionate and arbitrary. The Interior Ministry’s decision to file a criminal probe against her has been seen as an attempt to intimidate and silence activists.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Georgian government needs to take a closer look at its approach to policing protests and ensuring justice for all citizens.
