Georgia: Repressive ‘foreign agents’ bill withdrawn after protesters brutally dispersed
Responding to the news that the Parliament of Georgia has announced its intention to withdraw repressive bills on “foreign agents” following mass protests in Tbilisi, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said:
“The authorities have finally pledged to listen to the voices of protesters who filled city streets for two days, showing great courage as they faced water cannon jets and clouds of tear gas. All those who were detained for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of assembly must now be immediately released”
“Security forces used not only water cannon and tear gas, but also stun grenades as they dispersed crowds on the second day of protests in Tbilisi, often directing them at peaceful protesters without prior warning. A number of protestors reported that police blocked exit routes, while at the same time chasing, arresting, beating and throwing stun grenades at demonstrators. The police beat and detained at least 77 people, including peaceful protestors and journalists.
“In many instances, the use of force by police was neither proportionate nor necessary and failed to minimize harm and injury. Water cannons should only be used when it is strictly necessary to contain or disperse crowds, or when the level of violence has reached levels that cannot be dealt with by more peaceful means. Similarly, tear gas must not be used in excessive quantities, fired into confined spaces or directly at individuals. The combined intensive use of tear gas and water cannon can constitute torture or other ill-treatment and should be thoroughly investigated.”
Background
The widely criticized legislation sparked mass protests in Tbilisi on 7 March, the same day the Parliament of Georgia adopted the first of two bills on “foreign agents” in its first hearing.
The protests, which lasted for two days and were largely peaceful, at times turned violent. Demonstrators smashed windows of the Parliament of Georgia, destroyed fences and threw rocks at police. Over 77 individuals were apprehended by law enforcement. The police also used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
