With regard to the detentions and use of disproportionate force against detainees during the protests, the Public Defender of Georgia has informed the public that representatives of the Office have been searching for and visiting the persons detained and injured at the protests for four days and nights, talking to them and specifying details personally from them.

As of now (2.12.24-13:00), representatives of the Public Defender have already visited 156 people, 124 of whom (80%) indicate ill-treatment by the police. The Public Defender believes that the police are abusing their authority and when specific law enforcement officers are not punished for such actions, the crackdown on the protest is carried out with more cruelty each time. Therefore, the Public Defender demands that the Special Investigation Service investigate all such cases and take the strictest action.

The Public Defender’s representatives continue to visit detained persons, including journalists, throughout Georgia. In addition, the Office operates a hotline - 14-81, which is ready to receive information about human rights violations 24/7.

“We have seen acts of violence against journalists, we have seen unprecedented attacks and violence against citizens, which has no justification. On the very first day, I made quite strict statements regarding these facts, in which I called on the authorities, and especially the police, to refrain from violence, and to take appropriate measures against the perpetrators.

I call on law enforcement officers to act in accordance with the norms established by law and to use only legitimate force. In addition, I ask the participants in the demonstration to try their best not to go beyond the forms of peaceful expression of protest," the Public Defender stated.