Tbilisi, Georgia – A civic activist in Tbilisi, Georgia, was violently attacked just hours after being accused by the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament of participating in a campaign of terror. This incident has raised concerns about the safety of government critics in the country.
Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, expressed alarm at the attack on Zuka Berdzenishvili, stating that such actions by government officials could be seen as condoning violence against critics. The Georgian government’s crackdown on dissent has been criticized as an assault on human rights.
The morning of June 11 saw Berdzenishvili being attacked by three unknown men near his home in Tbilisi, resulting in head injuries. This attack followed a social media post by Speaker of the Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, accusing Berdzenishvili of being part of an organized campaign of terror against the ruling party, Georgian Dream.
Opposition activists in Georgia have faced violence following the government’s approval of controversial legislation on foreign influence, which has been denounced as infringing on the right to freedom of association. Amid mass protests, reports of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and violence against protesters and critics have increased.
Recent incidents include mysterious individuals near opposition leader Zurab Japaridze’s residence, an assault on student Niko Managadze, and the unjust arrest of activist Ioseb Babaevi on firearm possession charges. Criticism of MPs has led to detentions and one individual facing trial on hooliganism charges.
Amnesty International called on Georgian authorities to halt the cycle of violence, investigate all attacks promptly, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice through fair trial proceedings. The protection of free speech and government accountability are crucial in upholding human rights.