Georgia is in turmoil after the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028. What began as protests over the October parliamentary elections has escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Amnesty International has condemned the “persistent and widespread use of unlawful force,” reporting that over 460 protesters have faced violent crackdowns, arbitrary arrests, and even torture.
The crackdown has increasingly targeted artists, writers, and cultural figures, amplifying fears of authoritarian drift. On 5 December 2024, actor Andro Chichinadze was detained at his home, along with comedian Onise Tskhadadze on the same day. Both face charges under Article 225 of the criminal code (organisation, management, or participation in group violence), which carries a maximum sentence of nine years in prison, and Article 239 (hooliganism), with a maximum sentence of two years. Pretrial hearings are set for 19 January. Freemuse and The International Association of Art Critics (AICA) are deeply concerned that the two artists may be detained in violation of their right to peaceful protest. They urge that Chichinadze and Tskhadadze be released pending a trial conducted in a fair and transparent manner. Their right to peaceful protest, as guaranteed under the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, must be upheld*.
Artists among protestors attacked by police
It has been reported that scores of other cultural figures have also faced repression. Among them, art historian Nodar Aronishadze was detained, tortured, and hospitalised before being fined and released. Cultural anthropologist and museum worker Irakli Pipia was tortured and hospitalised. Poet Zviad Ratiani was beaten and jailed to serve an eight-day detention order. Dancer Natia Bunturi also suffered beatings. Students were also among those who were attacked.
Georgia’s cultural sector is under mounting pressure from restrictive new laws targeting foreign-funded organisations and stigmatising LGBTQ+ expression. Freemuse and AICA highlight that these measures further erode freedom of expression in a country where cultural and civic spaces are under unprecedented siege. They urge the Georgian government to stand by its commitments under international human rights low to protect the rights to free assembly and expression.
*The ICCPR was ratified by Georgia in 1994