Prepared by Messenger Staff
Amnesty Says Pardons of Nine Georgian Protesters Do Not Amount to Justice
Amnesty International has welcomed the pardon of nine protesters in Georgia but said the move does not address the wider issue of their prosecution or alleged abuses by law enforcement.
Denis Krivosheev, Amnesty's deputy director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, said those detained for peaceful protests should never have faced prosecution for exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
"The release of nine protesters is a welcome development and will be a source of joy for them and their families, but it is not justice," Krivosheev said.
Amnesty also called for independent investigations into allegations of unlawful force, ill-treatment and other abuses by police and security forces, with those responsible held accountable.
The group said authorities should end the abusive use of criminal and administrative proceedings against protesters and release anyone detained solely for exercising their rights "immediately and unconditionally."
Mikheil Kavelashvili pardoned 226 people. Among them were persons arrested during protests against the Georgian Dream government policies.
Lelo Accuses Georgian Dream of Failing to Control Russian Influx
Strong Georgia - Lelo leader Grigol Gegelia accused the Georgian Dream government of failing to properly manage the growing influx of Russian citizens into Georgia, warning of potential security and demographic risks.
Gegelia said tens of thousands of Russians had gathered at the Lars border crossing seeking to enter Georgia, possibly including people trying to avoid mobilization in Russia. He cited Russian sources and a report by Politico.
"We know from numerous sources, including Russian open sources, that tens of thousands of Russians have flocked to the Lars checkpoint and are looking for a new place of refuge in Georgia," Gegelia said.
He said Lelo had called for tighter migration controls and a review of Georgia's visa regime in 2021 under its proposed Georgia Protection Act. The party also sought measures addressing national security, demographic interests and regional stability.
"Georgia has an absolutely inadequate visa regime," Gegelia said.
Gegelia accused the government of failing to act while maintaining close ties with Moscow, saying it had been publicly praised by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova and Russian propaganda outlets.
"This regime has never served the Georgian people; it has served Russia and its national interests," he said.
