Pro-European actions in Tbilisi continue for 679 days

On the 679th day of continuous protests, participants in the rally on Rustaveli Avenue opposed the pro-Russian policies of the "Georgian Dream" and torture in prisons. Activist Sergey Kancheli, who had previously participated in protest actions, stated that he was forced to leave the country after being kidnapped by security forces and threatened.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on October 6, the daily gathering in front of the Georgian Parliament on the 678th day of protests was preceded by an action at the Penitentiary Service. Its participants demanded punishment for prison staff for torturing prisoners and expressed support for Georgy Davitadze, who accused the guards of sexual violence.

Georgian citizens took to the streets of Tbilisi for the 679th evening in a row, gathering in front of the Parliament and City Council buildings, demanding the release of political prisoners, the repeal of repressive laws, a return to the Euro-Atlantic course, and free elections, reports Publika.

Activists in front of the Parliament held placards: "I defend the Motherland, and you?", "Tighten border control", "Abkhazia and Samachablo occupied by Russia. Occupiers are not welcome in Georgia", "Freedom for regime prisoners" and "No to the Russian dictator - Bori Ivanishvili", according to photos published by photographer Georgy Mosiashvili (Mo Se) on Facebook*.

Today, activist Sergey Kancheli stated that he was kidnapped by security forces and taken to a cemetery, where he was subjected to threats and attempts of sexual violence, reports Netgazeti.

"I apologize in advance for having to say goodbye to you in this way, temporarily, but still. I just recently flew to a safe country and am now safe. On Sunday, September 27, I was stopped by the police during a run. There were a total of 6 people. They took me to a cemetery and beat me, cut my face with a knife, threatened me with a weapon, hit me on the head, chest, and other parts of my body. They forced me to engage in sexual intercourse. These tortures lasted about 50 minutes, after which the police left the crime scene," Kancheli wrote on his Facebook* page.

According to the activist, each of these police actions was directed against his civic position, as after physical and verbal violence, as well as sexual coercion, he was called a "coward" and insulted. Kancheli stated that he is now in a safe country but plans to fight for holding those responsible accountable and has filed a lawsuit.

"Many of you know how hard it was for me to realize that I would ever have to leave Georgia, but the 'Georgian Dream' and its police regime managed to create this hell for me. I filed a complaint against these inhumane people so that they would be found and held accountable. Everyone should know their identities and the crimes they committed," his message states.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that prisoner of Rustavi prison No. 6 Georgy Davitadze previously stated in the Appeals Court that he was subjected to sexual violence in a solitary cell. He accused the guards of the violence, which the Penitentiary Service denies. Participants in the rally in front of the Parliament on October 2 protested against violence in prisons.

Protesters in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces have conducted harsh dispersals of protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. During the protests, thousands of people have faced administrative prosecution. "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "Main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia".