U.S. State Department Reports Ongoing Assaults and Harassment in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, August 15, 2025
Reports of physical assaults, intimidation, threats, coercion, and harassment against citizens, journalists, and other individuals persisted throughout the year in Georgia, according to the 2024 Human Rights Report published by the U.S. Department of State. The report also notes a lack of accountability in such cases.
The document details incidents during large-scale protests in Tbilisi. From April to June, demonstrators opposed the so-called "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence," and from late November to December, citizens protested in support of European Union integration. Journalists covering these events reported attacks, harassment, the use of pepper spray, and damage to equipment by police or unidentified assailants.
"On December 7, more than 30 titushki, unidentified assailants typically dressed in black with their faces covered, physically assaulted protesters and then attacked TV Pirveli journalist Maka Chikhladze and camera operator Georgi Shetsiruli, who were filming them. After beating Chikhladze and Shetsiruli to the ground, they took all of Shetsiruli's belongings. Patrol police standing nearby did not intervene," the report states.
The document also notes that a video allegedly captured minutes before the attack suggested coordination between police and the assailants. Social media documented multiple instances in which patrol police either did not intervene or appeared to cooperate with titushki during assaults on journalists and demonstrators.
Journalists and activists reported receiving harassing and threatening calls, as well as vandalism, including offensive posters and damage to vehicles. Investigations were opened regarding unauthorized access to citizens' telephone numbers linked to these events.
The media ombudsman identified 15 cases of rights violations against journalists covering protests in front of the parliament in April and May. International media watchdogs, along with the ombudsman and the Council of Europe's Platform for the Safety of Journalists, reported at least 30 violations during the October 26 elections, including verbal and physical attacks, intimidation, and damage to equipment. By the end of the year, the government had not investigated these reports.
The report states that in late November and December, authorities or unidentified assailants believed to be acting on behalf of the ruling Georgian Dream party violently targeted dozens of media professionals covering protests. The attacks included beatings and exposure to pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons. Severe injuries included fractured vertebrae, facial fractures, and chemical burns. Several journalists required hospitalization.
According to the report, government officials responsible for the violence and harassment were not held accountable. Media organizations expressed concern over the Tbilisi Court of Appeals' decision to reduce sentences for individuals involved in the 2021 attacks on peaceful demonstrators. Those individuals were granted amnesty on November 16 under a bill passed by the ruling party, and none of the organizers faced charges.
The report portrays a concerning situation for media freedom and public safety in Georgia, showing persistent harassment, a lack of legal accountability, and targeting of journalists and activists.
