Georgia Under Fire: Intimidation of Experts & Calls for International Inquiry into Protest Crackdowns
Recent revelations regarding the alleged use of toxic chemicals against protestors in Georgia,coupled with a disturbing pattern of intimidation targeting those who dare to speak out,are raising serious concerns about human rights,freedom of expression,and the rule of law. following a BBC investigation highlighting these allegations, the Georgian State Security Service (SSG) has launched a series of questionable actions, summoning experts, witnesses, and civil society representatives for interrogation - actions that Amnesty International and other observers are condemning as a deliberate attempt to stifle independent scrutiny and silence dissent.
Targeting Those Who Seek the Truth: A Chilling Affect on Freedom of Expression
The response from the SSG following the BBC’s broadcast has been deeply troubling. Rather of focusing on a thorough and impartial investigation into the claims of chemical agent use against protestors, the authorities have turned their attention towards those who provided information to the media. Experts, witnesses, and human rights defenders have been called in for questioning, often under procedures reserved for serious criminal offenses. The justification? Allegedly harming Georgia’s national interests and reputation.
This tactic is notably alarming given the individuals targeted. Dr. Konstantine Chakhunashvili, along with colleagues David Chakhunashvili and Gela Ghunashvili, were summoned shortly after the documentary aired. These doctors conducted a crucial study assessing injuries sustained by protestors perhaps exposed to toxic chemicals. Their questioning extended to inquiries about their dialogue with journalists – a clear attempt to identify and potentially punish sources.
Furthermore, representatives from respected organizations like the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) and Transparency International Georgia, both of which publicly shared information with the BBC, were also brought before magistrate judges. This demonstrates a clear intent to discourage transparency and accountability.
“By branding the sharing of information with journalists as ‘antagonistic activity’ and summoning and casting experts, civil society groups, and victims as threats to ‘state interests,’ the authorities are undermining the integrity of the investigation and creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” states Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and central Asia. “This isn’t simply about investigating a crime; it’s about punishing those who helped bring it to light.”
A Pattern of Impunity: The SSG’s Flawed Investigation & systemic Abuse
This recent escalation isn’t an isolated incident. Amnesty International has consistently documented a systemic pattern of abuse within the Georgian justice system, where authorities actively work to shield law enforcement from accountability and maintain a climate of impunity for human rights violations. This long-standing issue underscores the need for independent oversight and a fundamental shift in how the Georgian government approaches investigations involving law enforcement. [You can find detailed documentation of these abuses here: https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur56/0450/2025/en/].
The current handling of the protest allegations exemplifies this problematic trend. The SSG’s investigation appears designed not to uncover the truth, but to discredit those raising concerns and protect the interests of the state. This approach renders a genuine, impartial investigation impossible.
“The intimidation of experts and witnesses, combined with the authorities’ perverse approach to the very idea of an investigation into these allegations, makes independent international scrutiny essential,” Krivosheev emphasizes.
Demanding Accountability: calls for International Intervention & an Embargo on Policing Equipment
To address this critical situation, Amnesty International is calling for immediate and decisive action from the international community. Specifically, the organization is advocating for:
* an International Mechanism of Enquiry: The creation of an independent, international body to thoroughly investigate the alleged use of toxic chemicals against protestors and any other instances of unlawful force employed by georgian law enforcement during the 2024 protests.
* Support for a Fact-Finding Mission: Encouragement for state parties to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support a dedicated Fact-Finding Mission to investigate the potential use of prohibited chemical agents.
* A Complete Embargo on Policing Equipment: A robust and complete embargo on the transfer of law enforcement equipment and weapons to Georgia, particularly those that could be used to suppress peaceful protests or inflict harm on civilians.
The rationale behind this last point is clear: supplying equipment to a government demonstrably willing to violate human rights only enables further abuse.As Krivosheev powerfully states,”States must ensure that equipment capable of causing harm is not supplied to a government that has already violated basic human rights.”
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