Good news in the most basic of achievements
Monday, June 30
Nearly lost amid fear of creeping authoritarianism and speculation over the Abkhaz powder keg is some bright news for Georgian reformers.
Last week the country’s human rights ombudsman said that torture is not just on the decline, but rare. This is the most basic of accomplishments for any would-be liberal government, but it should not be underappreciated. In the failing state of the Shevardnadze era, violence and abuses were unchecked and unforgiving.
To diminish a pervasive culture of violence and corruption in four years is no mean feat.
The ombudsman reserved much of the credit for his office; indeed, their vigilance helps cast light on dark corners of Georgia. They have done good work. But they could not have been effective without willingness from the top to stamp out cruelty in detention cells and police stations.
Of course the job is far from done. Tales of intimidation and targeted beatings are routine, and substantiated. Merely abandoning the torture racks does not mean the authorities are staying within legitimate bounds.
To continue to make gains, Georgia needs more of what has worked—public vigilance and leaders’ good will. With that, the country can defy fears of a backward slide.
Last week the country’s human rights ombudsman said that torture is not just on the decline, but rare. This is the most basic of accomplishments for any would-be liberal government, but it should not be underappreciated. In the failing state of the Shevardnadze era, violence and abuses were unchecked and unforgiving.
To diminish a pervasive culture of violence and corruption in four years is no mean feat.
The ombudsman reserved much of the credit for his office; indeed, their vigilance helps cast light on dark corners of Georgia. They have done good work. But they could not have been effective without willingness from the top to stamp out cruelty in detention cells and police stations.
Of course the job is far from done. Tales of intimidation and targeted beatings are routine, and substantiated. Merely abandoning the torture racks does not mean the authorities are staying within legitimate bounds.
To continue to make gains, Georgia needs more of what has worked—public vigilance and leaders’ good will. With that, the country can defy fears of a backward slide.