HRC Statement about the Penalties Issued during the Emergency State and the Facts of Alleged Abuse of Power by Police Officers

For the prevention of the spread of the COVID 19, on March 21, 2020 emergency situation was announced in the entire territory of Georgia. From April 1, the Government announced the nationwide curfew between 21:00 pm and 6:00 am. Administrative penalties for the violation of the requirements of the state of emergency and the curfew, amount 3 000 GEL for individuals and 15 000 GEL for legal entities. For the repeated violation, criminal prosecution will start. 

In the course of emergency situation, police officers have issued penalty notices to many citizens. People may appeal the sanctions in accordance to the Administrative Offences Code of Georgia within 10 calendar days. The complaint may be lodged in the Ministry of Internal Affairs or directly in the court within the estimated timeframe. 

During the emergency situation, there were facts of alleged abuse of power by police officers. In the social network citizens complained about degrading and inhuman treatment from the side of law enforcement officers. Some videos were released, where police officers allegedly committed unlawful actions. 

HRC calls on the MIA to promptly and effectively respond to similar facts and identify all cases of alleged abuse of power by police officers against citizens; the MIA shall ensure particular control of the situation in order to combat all possible facts of misuse of official power. 

HRC calls on the citizens to respect the established rules, obey the requirements of the emergency situation and curfew to achieve the goals of these restrictions – to prevent the spread of the COVID 19.

HRC is ready to provide citizens with free legal aid, who believe that penalties were imposed on them unlawfully, as well as the citizens, who became subjects of degrading or inhuman treatment, or/and other unlawful actions of the police officers. 

Human Rights Center