Georgia's police violence reflects systemic failures in accountability and democratic governance
Original framing: “Georgia: Justice and accountability require more than criminal charges against five police officers for assaulting protesters” — Amnesty International
In many post-Soviet states, the police are often used as an instrument of political will rather than public service. Georgia's situation is comparable to Ukraine and Russia, where civil society is criminalized under the guise of maintaining public order. This reflects a broader trend in authoritarian governance across Eurasia.
Georgia's police violence is not an isolated incident but a systemic failure rooted in weak institutions, political repression, and historical patterns of authoritarian governance.
The criminalization of dissent reflects a broader strategy of control by the ruling elite, supported by a judiciary and media that lack independence. To address this, Georgia must implement structural reforms that include independent judicial oversight, civil society protection, and police reform. International actors have a role to play in supporting these changes, but local civil society and marginalized voices must be central to the process. Without a comprehensive approach that includes transitional justice and public accountability, Georgia risks deepening its democratic crisis and further alienating its citizens.