Georgia police were accused of using excessive force during the protest

Georgian Special Investigation Service The investigation began This Monday (May 13, 2024) about the excessive use of force by the police during protests in the capital, Tbilisi.

The demonstrations come against the Foreign Influence Law, which stipulates the registration of media outlets and non-commercial organizations “Under foreign influence” If they obtain more than 20% of their financing from abroad. The text was called “Russian Law” in reference to similar legislation in Moscow.

During the protests, demonstrators faced water cannons and tear gas. Police officers also attacked some people. According to the Ministry of Interior, 20 people were arrested, including two Americans and a Russian.

The draft law is scheduled to be discussed in Parliament on Tuesday (May 14). Opponents of the measure, including the US State Department, have compared the measure to 2012 Russian legislation used to suppress government critics.

European Union Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell condemned the suppression of the protests. He stated that there were physical attacks and threats in police procedures to contain the demonstrations.

“We strongly condemn acts of intimidation, threats and physical attacks against demonstrators, civil society activists, politicians, journalists and media workers.” […]. We call on the authorities to guarantee the right to protestBurrell said.

Georgia's President, Salome Zurabishvili, said she would veto the project if parliamentarians approve it. However, the government has enough votes to override a presidential veto.

See photos of the protests:

This is Georgia. This country will never be part of Russia. #No to Russian law

📸Ezz Jaber pic.twitter.com/N269D3a29Q

— Giorgi Revishvili (@revishvilig) May 13, 2024

The whole world must see what the freedom fighters in Georgia are going through. The true nature of the politicized entity formerly known as the police, which is now used to suppress protests.

Credits: @Publika_ge #Tbilisi protests #No to Russian law pic.twitter.com/VWneWg8Z0S

– Nodar Rukhadze (@xonoda) May 13, 2024

Young demonstrators and traditional Georgian dance. #Georgia protests pic.twitter.com/CD2JTFUPeE

– Anna Gvarishvili (@annagvarishvili) May 12, 2024

4) It did not take long for the Rustaveli Street area next to the Parliament building to be filled with people. The national anthem was played several times during the night. This was the anthem of the European Union. pic.twitter.com/DnzDkHvQOJ

– Ine Back Iversen (@IneBackIversen) May 13, 2024

🔴11) 05:37 The Ministry of Interior asked the protesters to vacate the entrances so that the representatives could pass.

In Freedom Square, leading to Rustaveli Street, some demonstrators stand in front of the special forces and chant, “Long live Georgia.” 🥹✊🏻🇬🇪 pic.twitter.com/jgFkFIDa2d

– Ine Back Iversen (@IneBackIversen) May 13, 2024

13) At approximately 06:00, police and special forces began violently expelling the demonstrators from the upper streets and cleared the upper entrance. pic.twitter.com/jJkdvHux5v

– Ine Back Iversen (@IneBackIversen) May 13, 2024

We pay little attention to what is happening in Georgia, a people who are once again trying to escape the Kremlin's network pic.twitter.com/IVY4MAqyFJ

– Bernardo Beresde Lima (@Bernardo_PL) May 12, 2024

As a nationwide opposition #ForeignAgentsLaw As more and more people, including students, join the daily marches in other parts of Georgia. The video shows a protest march in Kutaisi, Imereti Region, earlier today.
📹 Imereti Press pic.twitter.com/IKHgkVT31F

— Civil.ge (@CivilGe) May 13, 2024

More evidence of police brutality in Georgia. #No to Russian law #Georgia protests
📷 Hadiths from the Prophet pic.twitter.com/ML5a7Ta65R

– Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@Mikiashvili_M) May 13, 2024