Georgia protests: UN human rights chief calls on authorities to protect basic freedoms

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has urged Georgian authorities to respect and protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, after four nights of demonstrations made headlines across the globe.

Volker Türk noted in a statement that the police used disproportionate force to disperse legitimate protests. Dozens of people sustained injuries during the demonstrations triggered by a prime ministerial announcement postponing negotiations on joining the EU.

Security forces reportedly used pepper spray and chemical irritants against protesters and journalists. Türk raised serious concerns about the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force against protesters and media personnel.

Georgian protesters asked to exercise their rights peacefully

The UN human rights chief noted the need to ensure that all people of Georgia be able to freely and peacefully express their opinions about the future of their country. If security forces are using force, it must remain an exception and support the principles of legality.

High Commissioner Türk also called on protesters to exercise their freedoms of expression and assembly peacefully. Reports indicate that rocks and bottles had been tossed at security personnel, in addition to causing damage to the parliament building.

Latest figures from the Ministry of Interior indicate that at least 224 people had been taken into custody during the four nights of protests. They are facing charges of petty hooliganism and disobeying legal police orders. Many children are among those detained.