**Police Crack Down on Protesters in Tbilisi, Detainees Allege Physical Abuse**
Yesterday’s eviction of residents from an apartment building on Tvalchrelidze Street in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi turned violent when police and National Bureau of Enforcement representatives arrived at the scene. The situation escalated into a confrontation between law enforcement officers and protesters.
According to lawyer Lasha Tkesheladze, who spoke to InterpressNews, 17 people were detained by police during the day. However, what happened next is disturbing. “The detainees allege that they were physically assaulted by law enforcement officers,” Tkesheladze said.
Some of the detainees were taken to detention facilities in Mtskheta and others to Kakheti. They are being charged under Article 173 of the Administrative Offenses Code, which relates to disobedience to a lawful order of the police.
Tkesheladze visited some of the detainees at the Mtskheta facility and was appalled by what he witnessed. “The detainees told me that police officers used physical force against them,” he said. One boy was allegedly slapped in the face and shoved into a car, while another was mocked and called a “princess” by an officer.
Another detainee claimed to have been dragged by his hair toward the car, punched in the ribs, and taken to the Ministry of Internal Affairs building. Despite suffering multiple injuries and health issues, he was not taken to the hospital by emergency services and remains in detention.
The eviction on Tvalchrelidze Street is reportedly being carried out based on a private owner’s claim, which has sparked protests from residents. The situation highlights the tense relationship between law enforcement and civilians in Georgia.
**Commentary**
The incident on Tvalchrelidze Street raises concerns about police brutality and the treatment of detainees in Georgia. The use of physical force against protesters and detainees is unacceptable and undermines trust in the authorities.
The fact that some detainees were taken to detention facilities far from their homes, without access to medical attention or proper care, adds to the concerns. It is essential for the Georgian government to ensure that law enforcement officers are held accountable for any wrongdoing and that civilians receive fair treatment under the law.
**Analysis**
This incident highlights the complexities of property rights and evictions in Georgia. The use of private owners’ claims to justify evictions can lead to conflicts between residents and authorities.
The situation also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. In a democratic society, citizens have the right to protest peacefully and express their opinions without fear of violence or harassment from police officers.
As Georgia continues to navigate its path toward European integration, it is essential that the country addresses these issues head-on and ensures that its citizens receive fair treatment under the law.
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