For almost two weeks now, daily demonstrations have been taking place in Georgia in favor of a pro-European course for the country and against the ruling party “Georgian Dream”.
According to the Georgian Ministry of the Interior, over 400 people have been arrested since the demonstrations began, most of them for “disobedience” or “vandalism”. The police used increasing force against the protests and used water cannons and tear gas to break up the demonstrations. Georgian journalists, artists and intellectuals were also increasingly brutally attacked in connection with the protests.
Data Tavadze, director of the Royal District Theatre and member of the Artistic Advisory Board of the 15th Tblilisi International Theatre Festival, warned the international guests of the festival last year of the growing danger to Georgian culture in view of the ongoing replacement of personnel in management positions in cultural institutions in favor of officials loyal to the government. (Georgian Culture is in Danger)
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has now threatened to completely eliminate the opposition.
From the Georgian ITI we received an - incomplete - list of names of theater artists who have been victims of police attacks in recent days:
The artist's statements as well as photos and video recordings are available online and are constantly being added to.
The actor Giorgi Makharadze was brutally beaten up by a group of 30 masked attackers, while police officers stood by and refused to intervene. His pleas for protection were met with silence.
Andro Chichinadze, an actor, was arrested on charges of organized crime. His mother, Lika Guntsadze, reports on the traumatic incident and emphasizes that the regime is also trying to silence non-aggressive voices.
Giorgi Nakashidze, actor, describes the “unimaginable cruelty” to which he was subjected after his arrest by special forces, who beat him severely.
Natia Bunturi, actress and ballet dancer, was pushed away by riot police and received two blows to the head, leaving her bleeding and traumatized.
Actor Irakli Sirbilashvili, director Avtandil Diasamidze and actor Giorgi Bakhutashvili were arrested and physically assaulted during the protests.
Poet Zviad Ratiani suffered serious injuries, including broken bones, after being dragged, beaten and tortured by the police. Ratiani refused to sign forged statements.
The director and dancer Tata Tavdishvili was shot in the knee with a rubber bullet at close range.
The writer Toresa Mossy was physically attacked in the House of Literature. Despite the violence, she continues to campaign for democracy.
A press statement calls on the international community to condemn the violence against the protests, demand accountability from the perpetrators and show solidarity with the Georgian people. The voices of artists, journalists and activists are crucial in the fight for a democratic and free Georgia, and their safety must be protected at all costs.
Jessica Kaahwa, President of ITI worldwide stated: “The Global ITI family stands in solidarity with our Georgian colleagues. We are committed to helping amplify these concerns through international human rights channels and media platforms.”
The statement of solidarity “Art Against Oppression: Solidarity with Georgia” has already been signed by over 1500 artists and scientists from all over the world.