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The so-called attack came hours after Human Rights Watch published a special report on Tituschek’s siege, beatings and attacks on civic activists.
The first paragraph of the document highlights that Georgian authorities have yet to demonstrate that they are effectively investigating violent attacks against civic activists and politicians.
The report analyses six cases. The main and common problem is that these cases remain uninvestigated.
Impunity for these attacks risks fueling further political violence and instability ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections in October 2024.”
In its latest report on Georgia, Human Rights Watch noted that in the spring of 2024, unidentified individuals violently attacked more than a dozen activists, in most cases causing head injuries requiring hospitalization.
The group noted that most attacks were carried out by small groups in public places with witnesses and CCTV cameras installed.
“While the police have officially launched investigations into several cases, no suspects have been identified or arrested. This is a worrying sign that law enforcement agencies are not taking the necessary investigative steps to hold those responsible accountable,” the report said.
“The nature of the harassment and intimidation of activists, independent media, and government critics, if left unpunished, creates the threat of escalating violence by malicious actors in the months leading up to Georgia’s next elections.” “There must be immediate accountability for these brutal attacks and threats of violence.” – said Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
The group wrote that they appealed to the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Attorney General’s Office and requested information on the progress of the investigation. According to Human Rights Watch, on August 19, they received a response from the Prosecutor’s Office stating that the Ministry of Internal Affairs was investigating the attack on the 19th and that criminal prosecution had not yet been initiated.
Human Rights Watch discussed the substance of the Russian law, noting that the ruling party said it targets groups and media outlets that defend LGBTQ rights or engage in activities that are offensive to the government.
Human Rights Watch also noted that family members of civil society activists and opposition politicians received threatening and abusive phone calls.
The organization highlighted the conclusions of the Venice Commission published in May 2024, which stressed that the restrictions imposed by Russian law on freedom of expression, freedom of association and the right to privacy do not meet the requirements of “legality, legality and necessity in a democratic society” and violate the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination.
“Georgian authorities should promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate violent attacks, bring those responsible to justice, and publicly and unequivocally condemn politically motivated violence,” – the organization said.
“Attacking government critics with impunity sends a clear signal that the government respects politically motivated violence as long as it serves their interests. The authorities can avoid sending this signal by conducting prompt, thorough and effective investigations to identify individual attackers.” – Hugh Williamson.
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