The Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani, has responded to the violent dispersal of the protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue, expressing concern over the inhuman and degrading treatment of peaceful protesters, as shown in video footage circulated by the media. He also voiced alarm over the criminal acts involving their deliberate persecution.
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According to the Public Defender, the Ministry of Internal Affairs began actively implementing police measures at 2 a.m. on November 29, using a large number of officers and special equipment.
“The video footage and the information disseminated clearly show numerous instances of the unjustified use of special means against protesters, including politicians, journalists, and detainees. There are also cases of alleged unjustified detention, direct intent to commit violence, and targeted persecution during the dispersal of the peaceful rally.
“In addition to the main location of the rally, the video footage clearly shows that the police pursued rally participants away from the gathering place, which suggests the alleged intention of retaliation and intimidation,” the Public Defender’s statement says.
The Ombudsman draws attention to the degree of violence and cruelty directed towards journalists, as well as the alleged deliberate damage to their equipment. According to the Public Defender, this “constitutes acts of mistreatment of journalists and obstructs their professional activities.”
“The criminal actions committed by the special forces are likely encouraged by the fact that they are afforded de facto impunity. This is due to the absence of identification marks and body cameras for the officers, the impunity of violent individuals during previous rallies, and other factors.
It is noteworthy that the Public Defender has been advocating for the use of identification marks for years, and ensuring this should not require significant effort on the part of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Additionally, the European Court of Human Rights addressed this issue in its decision regarding the events of June 20-21, 2019,” Levan Ioseliani states.
During the night, representatives of the Public Defender visited 11 people, 9 of whom had been detained. According to the Public Defender, it was not possible to interview two individuals who were taken to the clinic due to multiple injuries.
“9 cases of alleged ill-treatment were identified, 3 of which involved journalists. 6 individuals sustained visible injuries. For example, one journalist suffered a head fracture, another had a completely reddened left eye socket and a swollen face, while a third had swelling and scratches on his nose, cheeks, and forehead.
Additionally, one detainee, who was brought to the isolator during the attorney’s visit, required immediate transfer to a clinic for surgical intervention,” the Public Defender’s Office said, adding that their representatives are continuing to visit detainees, both in Tbilisi and in western Georgia.
The Public Defender calls on the Special Investigation Service and the Prosecutor’s Office to conduct an effective investigation within a tight timeframe and identify all responsible individuals, whose actions, possible orders, or tacit consent resulted in a gross violation of the rights of peaceful protesters and journalists.
“It is crucial that the investigation be conducted with the correct legal qualification (special articles on ill-treatment), which accurately reflects the assessment of the actions carried out during the night,” the Public Defender states.
Levan Ioseliani calls on the Ministry of Internal Affairs not to hinder the investigation process and to cooperate fully in identifying all guilty police officers, special forces, and relevant Ministry heads, and to provide all necessary information and documentation to the investigation.
Furthermore, the Public Defender urges the courts to ensure the strictest protection of the right to a fair trial for the detained protesters. The legality of their arrests should be assessed on its merits, and not solely based on the police officers’ explanations in the absence of neutral evidence.
Despite the fact that special forces were persecuting and violently attacking peaceful protesters and media representatives on Rustaveli Avenue and nearby streets from 2:00 a.m. until morning, Levan Ioseliani did not appear at the scene.
