**52 People Granted Victim Status After Protests**
The Special Investigation Service (SIS) has granted victim status to 52 people who were involved in protests over the past two months. The SIS is investigating cases of police abuse and interference with journalists’ work.
Protests began on November 28 after the Prime Minister announced that Georgia was leaving its EU path. People have been protesting for over 50 days, but many were violently assaulted by police and unknown thugs. Journalists were also targeted.
The SIS is investigating two types of cases: using force or a weapon (Article 333), and interfering with journalists’ work (Article 154). The investigation is still ongoing, but no one has been held accountable yet.
**Key Cases Investigated**
One of the cases being investigated is the brutal attack on TV Pirveli crew members. Journalist Maka Chikladze and cameraman Giorgi Shetsiruli were granted victim status. The SIS has questioned 52 people in this case.
**Criticism from Home and Abroad**
The government has been criticized for not punishing police officers or “titushky” (thugs) who beat, injured, and assaulted citizens during the protests. While dozens of protesters have been detained and prosecuted, no police officers or titushky have been brought to justice.
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