**Amnesty International Condemns Georgia’s New Laws**
Denis Krivosheev, the Regional Director of Amnesty International for Georgia, has expressed concern over the Georgian government’s new laws that restrict people’s right to protest and freedom of speech.
In an interview with Voice of America’s Georgian service, Krivosheev said: “We have seen many parliaments passing draconian laws, but I don’t remember seeing a parliament doing it on this scale and at such speed. The Georgian government treats fundamental human rights as something it can decide – when people can exercise them and when they cannot.”
Krivosheev criticized the new legislation for restricting peaceful protests and freedom of expression. He also noted that attacks on media, civil society, and anyone who challenges the authorities’ control over public space are becoming more frequent.
**Detained Protesters Denied Fair Trial**
The Regional Director expressed concern about the detained protesters being denied their right to a fair trial. “When people take to the streets, they have the right to be there, to speak out,” he said. “But the police and authorities treat this differently. They arbitrarily distinguish between ‘authorized’ and ‘unauthorized’ protests.”
Krivosheev stated that arrests during such circumstances are often selective and brutal. He also mentioned that protesters are being mistreated after arrest, denied access to lawyers, and subjected to harsh court hearings.
**Journalists Targeted by Authorities**
The Regional Director expressed skepticism about justice being served in investigating police violence. “The responsibility for investigating this violence lies with the authorities,” he said. “However, they are the ones committing these crimes, so the hope for justice is minimal.”
Krivosheev also noted that journalists are being targeted by the government and police because they are seen as a threat to their control over public space. He stated that arrests and fines imposed on journalists are selective and that no one should be treated this way.
**Government’s Intent to Suppress Protests**
Regarding the case of Mzia Amaghlobeli, the founder of “Batumelebi”, Krivosheev noted that it demonstrates the government’s intent to show everyone how brutally it will respond to any protest. He also stated that the government and police attack journalists because they see them as a threat.
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