The article discusses the report by the Georgian human rights organization, Transparency International Georgia (TIG), which documents widespread repression and intimidation of peaceful protesters in Georgia. The report highlights the use of administrative arrests as a tool to silence activists, with minors and people with disabilities among those arrested.
Key points from the report include:
1. **Administrative arrests**: The report notes that gross violations of procedural rights were not caused by institutional shortcomings or incompetence but represent a deliberate tool to influence activists.
2. **Criminal justice mechanisms**: The use of criminal charges against protesters has effectively criminalized peaceful protest and restricted free assembly.
3. **Dismissal of civil servants**: Hundreds of civil servants were dismissed from public institutions after expressing pro-European views, with amendments to the Law “On Public Service” making it easier for politicians to terminate their contracts.
4. **Forced disappearances**: Activists were forced to go into hiding during key protest periods, with protesters arrested without explanation or access to legal counsel.
5. **State-sanctioned impunity**: The report concludes that all three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial – are complicit in the repression.
The article also mentions international reactions, including:
1. **Freedom House**: Raised alarms about Georgia’s democratic backsliding.
2. **UN and Amnesty International**: Warned about the situation in Georgia.
Overall, the report paints a grim picture of human rights violations in Georgia, with widespread repression and intimidation of peaceful protesters.
