Amnesty International Demands Full Accountability Following Georgia Police Arrests for Protest Violence

Georgia’s Prosecutor General’s Office announced the arrest of five current and former law enforcement officers on May 7, 2026, following allegations of violence against protesters and journalists during anti-government demonstrations in 2024.

The five individuals have been charged with abuse of power with the use of violence, an offense that carries a potential prison sentence of five to eight years. One of the officers faces an additional charge of unlawfully obstructing a journalist’s professional activities resulting in harm to health or other serious consequences.

The charges stem from attacks on politician Levan Khabeishvili, protester Zviad Maisashvili, and journalist Guram Rogava during protests held in Tbilisi. The announcement by the Prosecutor General’s Office followed an investigative report by TV Formula, which identified an alleged attacker of Rogava. Rogava, who was a journalist for TV Formula at the time, was assaulted on November 29, 2024, while covering the demonstrations.

Amnesty International responded to the arrests, arguing that the legal action is insufficient to address the scale of police misconduct during the 2024 crackdown. Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director, stated that the arrests are already 17 months late.

Accountability for the widespread abusive use of force by police against peaceful protesters, journalists and government critics during the crackdown on protests since 2024 cannot end with the recent arrest of five law enforcement officers, already 17 months late. Amnesty International has documented dozens of cases of unlawful use of force and alleged torture and other ill-treatment, and severe injuries – including broken bones – inflicted on individuals who were simply exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Hundreds of protesters complained of such treatment. Justice means accountability for all these cases. Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director

Krivosheev further asserted that the arrests do not resolve the broader issue of impunity within Georgia, noting that dozens of cases involving torture and other ill-treatment have not been effectively investigated.

The Prosecutor General’s investigation must extend to all those suspected of responsibility, including those who gave orders and who failed in their duty to prevent human rights violations. It’s imperative that there is accountability across the entire chain of command, and for all reported cases of unlawful police conduct. Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Deputy Director

Documentation of 2024 Police Conduct

Reports from Amnesty International and local watchdogs detailed the methods used by Georgian police during peaceful protests between November and December 2024. Documentation indicates that protesters were targeted indiscriminately with water cannons, pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets.

The reports also highlighted violence that amounted to violations of the absolute prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment. Some of this violence reportedly occurred inside police vehicles, which became known as torture vans.

More than 300 detainees reported experiencing serious physical abuse. Of those, over 80 individuals required hospitalization for injuries including fractures, broken bones, and concussions.

numerous detainees were taken to undisclosed locations. While in custody, these individuals were denied access to their families and lawyers, and were refused emergency surgery and medical treatment.