In recent months, Georgia has seen a disturbing trend of violent attacks on civic and political activists, raising concerns about the country’s political stability and the upcoming parliamentary elections in October 2024. Human Rights Watch has highlighted the lack of effective investigations by Georgian authorities into these attacks, which have left many activists hospitalized with serious injuries. The impunity for these attacks not only threatens the safety of activists but also risks further political violence in the lead-up to the elections.
The attacks, which occurred from late April through June, targeted individuals who had spoken out against the controversial „foreign agent“ law introduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party. This law, which was vetoed by President Salome Zurabishvili but later overridden by the ruling party, aims to marginalize and discredit NGOs and media critical of the government. The law requires organizations receiving 20% or more of their income from foreign sources to register as „organizations serving the interest of a foreign power,“ imposing onerous reporting requirements and punitive fines.
The violent attacks on activists have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups, international organizations, and Georgia’s bilateral partners. The Venice Commission, the Council of Europe’s advisory body on constitutional matters, has criticized the law for violating fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, association, and privacy. The European Union, the United States, and the United Nations have also expressed concerns about the law’s compatibility with democratic standards and human rights principles.
Human Rights Watch has documented several cases of attacks on activists in Tbilisi, including Nikoloz Managadze, a university student and founder of a student protest group, who was violently assaulted on two separate occasions. Other victims include Dimitri Chikovani, a leading member of the opposition United National Movement party, Gia Japaridze, a university professor critical of the foreign agent law, and Zurab Berdzenishvili, an activist and founder of the Shame Movement.
Despite the police opening investigations into these attacks, there has been a lack of progress in identifying and arresting the perpetrators. Survivors and their lawyers have reported slow and ineffective investigations, with authorities failing to take necessary steps to hold those responsible to account. The survivors have also faced harassment and intimidation, including threatening phone calls and smear campaigns, further exacerbating their vulnerability.
As Georgia prepares for the upcoming parliamentary elections, it is crucial for authorities to swiftly, thoroughly, and effectively investigate the violent attacks on activists. Holding the perpetrators accountable and denouncing politically motivated violence are essential steps to prevent further escalation of violence and ensure a safe and fair electoral process. By addressing impunity and upholding human rights standards, Georgia can demonstrate its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
