Public Defender urges efforts to reduce polarization ahead of elections

The Public Defender of Georgia has issued a statement regarding the confrontation that took place on September 8 near Georgian Dream’s mayoral candidate Kakha Kaladze’s election headquarters on Melikishvili Avenue.

The Public Defender stressed that a healthy electoral environment is fundamental to democracy, warning that polarization remains a systemic challenge in the pre-election period. The statement urged all political actors to contribute to ensuring fair, peaceful, and equal elections.

“On September 8, a confrontation took place on Melikishvili Avenue near the election headquarters of Kakha Kaladze between anti-government protesters and groups mobilized on the spot. Reports and video footage indicate that journalists were obstructed from performing their professional duties, had their phones taken away, and were physically assaulted. Law enforcement officers present at the scene may also have been targeted by violence.

The Public Defender emphasized that a healthy electoral environment is the foundation of democracy, which is undermined by acts of violence and intimidation during the pre-election period. Polarization remains a systemic challenge, and all participants must contribute to ensuring fair, peaceful, and equal elections.

While freedom of assembly protects the right to choose the place of protest, this must not restrict the rights of others or disrupt the work of election headquarters. The Public Defender, therefore, urged rally participants to avoid actions that could hinder the activities of the Georgian Dream headquarters in the future.

At the same time, the government is obliged to create a safe environment for the exercise of peaceful assembly, which includes deploying sufficient law enforcement, preventing violence, and ensuring a safe distance between protesters and others gathered on-site.

The Public Defender also stressed that journalists covering assemblies are entitled to special legal protection, given their role in providing independent and objective information. Violence and obstruction against them are of particular concern.

The statement further highlighted instances of sexual harassment during the protest, where demonstrators faced sexually connoted gestures, degrading remarks, and gender-based insults. The Public Defender condemned such actions, noting that they are prohibited under Georgian law and may carry criminal liability. Both government officials and political parties were urged to refrain from using humiliating or stereotypical language against women.

The Public Defender announced that the office will monitor the investigation and called on the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor’s Office to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice swiftly,” reads the statement by the Office of Public Defender.