We, the undersigned members of the Network of Human Rights Houses, are alarmed by the Georgia authorities\u2019 actions in the context of recent protests across Tbilisi\u00a0in response<\/a>\u00a0to the authorities\u2019 announced halt to Georgia\u2019s European Union accession bid. These actions include the violent crackdown on protestors, torture and\u00a0 ill-treatment of those detained, and deliberate targeting of journalists. We call on the Georgian authorities to end the widespread use of unlawful force by police and to respect fundamental freedoms and human rights, in line with Georgia\u2019s international obligations.<\/p>\n The Georgian authorities\u2019 decision to halt EU accession talks came\u00a0amidst<\/a>\u00a0ongoing protests against what local observers consider fraudulent and manipulated parliamentary elections on 26 October 2024, and subsequent\u00a0calls<\/a>\u00a0for repeat elections, including\u00a0by the European Parliament<\/a>. In response,\u00a0large-scale manifestations<\/a>\u00a0have been taking place in Tbilisi since 28 November. Some observer groups have put the number of demonstrators at around\u00a0200,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n In response, law enforcement officials, as well as unidentified, plain clothes individuals in masks, have been resorting to\u00a0extreme violence<\/a>\u00a0against demonstrators and media workers. The\u00a0Ombudsman<\/a>\u00a0and rights groups have decried the\u00a0assaults<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0intentional targeting<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0journalists<\/a>\u00a0and their equipment; and chasing,\u00a0encircling<\/a>, and\u00a0beating<\/a>\u00a0peaceful demonstrators, including those who were\u00a0retreating<\/a>\u00a0from the protest scene or were sheltering within private facilities. Journalists and politicians suffered\u00a0broken<\/a>\u00a0bones.\u00a0More than 300 protestors<\/a>\u00a0have been detained.\u00a0The Ombudsman reported that 80% of detainees have complained about police violence and his office has documented cases of\u00a0ill-treatment<\/a>. Over the course of protests, tear gas, water cannon and pepper spray have been repeatedly used. According to the Ombudsman, this is done without legal grounds.<\/p>\n To date,\u00a0over 40 individuals<\/a>\u00a0have been hospitalised.\u00a0CSO\u00a0Legal Aid Network lawyers<\/a>\u00a0has reported that those in medical facilities \u201csustained extensive bruises and facial injuries, fractured noses and jaws\u201d. They reportedly suffer from \u201cmultiple hematomas, and difficulty moving and speaking\u201d. Victims have recounted rape threats and severe beatings while in police custody.<\/p>\n