Amnesty International raised significant concerns on Friday regarding the escalating violence and political suppression in Georgia as the country nears its local elections scheduled for October 4. According to the human rights organization, the Georgian government has been involved in prosecuting opposition figures, silencing independent media, and arbitrarily detaining protesters, actions that starkly contrast with democratic norms.

Denis Krivosheev, Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International, urged the Georgian authorities to adhere to their human rights obligations. He highlighted the unlawful use of police force, arbitrary detentions, and the mistreatment of protesters as severe issues. These abuses mark a deepening human rights crisis, a continuation from the troubles observed during the parliamentary elections in October 2024.

Amnesty's report detailed how the misuse of the criminal justice system to suppress dissent has resulted in numerous political activists and protesters facing vague and often unsubstantiated charges leading to criminal prosecutions and imprisonment. The arrest of opposition politician Gela Khasaia, under questionable circumstances, and the implementation of restrictive laws to limit the activities of NGOs and media under the "foreign influence" law are prime examples of such tactics.

Adding to the severity of the situation, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's characterization of protest organizers as "radical" and his promise of a "strict" response have been interpreted as a state-sanctioned attempt to vilify and suppress political opposition. Moreover, Amnesty International noted the targeted gender-based violence and degrading treatment against women protesters, which includes sexist insults and invasive strip searches, violating international human rights standards as outlined by the UN Convention against Torture and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Financial restraints have also been imposed on groups critical of the government, with allegations of "sabotage" leading to blocked bank accounts and ongoing harassment of their leaders. This pattern of intimidation reflects a deliberate strategy to consolidate power by silencing dissent, thereby shrinking the political and civil space in Georgia.

The European Parliament has previously expressed concerns that such criminalization of legitimate activism not only undermines the rule of law but also endangers the foundations of democratic governance in Georgia. The right to freedom of expression, protected under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is crucial, yet the current actions in Georgia are seen as overreaching the internationally accepted exceptions necessary for national security or public order.

As the elections approach, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that respects the democratic rights and freedoms of the Georgian people.