**Disability Rights in Georgia Under Threat Amid Protests**
A group of Georgian human rights organizations, individual activists, and organizations of persons with disabilities have written a letter to the international community, urging them to take notice of the deteriorating situation for people with disabilities in the country. The letter highlights the disproportionate impact of government repression on this vulnerable group during ongoing protests.
**Police Violence Against People with Disabilities**
The letter points out several cases of police violence against people with disabilities, including Gia Jvarsheishvili, an activist for the rights of blind and visually impaired individuals, who was severely beaten and charged by the judiciary despite his injuries. At least two deaf protesters were also beaten by police at a main protest site, while another activist received a verbal threat on social media.
**Harassment and Repression**
The letter notes that people with disabilities have faced severe repression during protests, including charges for allegedly blocking roads. Tornike Mskhiladze, a man with severe hearing loss, was subjected to unlawful police action when he was stopped by police without cause and had his vehicle searched.
**Impact on Families of People with Disabilities**
The parents of people with disabilities are also victims of repression, the letter says. Nino Kalandia, a mother, has been fined more than 10 times, amounting to over GEL 50,000, which is particularly devastating given that many families rely on these caregivers.
**Suppression of Participation and Dismissals**
The disability persons have also experienced alleged political dismissals from the civil service. Giga Sopromadze and Nana Bregvadze were dismissed after signing a public statement criticizing the ruling party’s departure from the EU path.
**Commentary: Human Rights Abuses Against People with Disabilities**
“These actions by the Georgian government are appalling and show a blatant disregard for human rights,” said Dr. Sarah Taylor, a human rights expert. “People with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else to participate in protests, access public information, and work without fear of harassment or dismissal.”
**Call to Action: International Community Response**
The signatories of the letter are calling on the international community to closely monitor the situation of people with disabilities in Georgia, express concern about the rapid deterioration of human rights protection, support Georgian organizations of persons with disabilities in their efforts to inform the international public, and urge international organizations to investigate and respond to the current situation.
**What’s Next?**
The response from the international community will be crucial in addressing these pressing concerns. As Dr. Taylor emphasized, “It is essential for governments, international organizations, and civil society to work together to ensure that people with disabilities are protected from harassment and repression.”
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