Art Against Opression: Solidarity with Georgia (sign the petition!)

Press release from Arts Research Institute in Tbilisi

The Georgian government, led by the pro-Russian “Georgian Dream” party, has employed brutal tactics to suppress protests calling for democratic reforms and the country’s integration with the European Union. Over 400 individuals have been detained, many of whom have been subjected to physical violence, humiliation, and torture at the hands of law enforcement and paramilitary groups acting with impunity. Among the victims are celebrated actors, poets, writers, and directors, and other voices of Georgia’s cultural resistance.

In the midst of violent crackdowns by the Georgian government against peaceful protesters, numerous artists and cultural figures have become victims of police brutality and political persecution. These attacks underscore the government’s increasingly oppressive response to dissent, targeting not only ordinary citizens but also prominent figures from Georgia’s artistic and cultural community.

 – Giorgi Makharadze, an actor, was savagely beaten by a group of 30 masked attackers as police officers stood by, refusing to intervene. His plea for protection was met with silence.

– Andro Chichinadze, another actor, was arrested on fabricated charges of organized crime. His mother, Lika Guntsadze, recounts the traumatic incident, emphasizing the regime’s attempts to silence even non-aggressive voices.

– Giorgi Nakashidze an actor described the “unimaginable cruelty” he faced after being detained by special forces, who subjected him to severe beatings.

– Natia Bunturi, an actress and balet dancer, was deceived into isolation by riot police and struck twice in the head, leaving her bloodied and traumatized.

– An actor Irakli Sirbilashvili, A director Avtandil Diasamidze, and an actor Giorgi Bakhutashvili were all arrested and physically assaulted during protests. Despite their injuries, they remain resolute in their fight for justice.

– Poet Zviad Ratiani suffered severe injuries, including broken bones, after being dragged, beaten, and tortured by police. Ratiani’s resistance to signing fabricated statements highlights the inhumane conditions faced by detainees.

– Director and dancer Tata Tavdishvili was shot in the knee with a rubber bullet at close range while protesting peacefully.

– Writer Toresa Mossy, physically assaulted at the Writers’ House, remains committed to fighting for democracy through love and education, despite the violence inflicted upon her.

And this is not full list of artists who have been arrested or forced.

Arrested individuals are subjected to beatings in transport vehicles, detention centers, and even public spaces. Video footage of these attacks only scratches the surface of the widespread human rights violations occurring in Georgia.

The use of fabricated charges, as seen in the case of Andro Chichinadze, and targeted assaults on prominent artists indicate an intentional effort to dismantle Georgia’s cultural and intellectual resistance. These actions are part of a broader campaign to intimidate citizens, suppress dissent, and consolidate authoritarian power.

The violence against artists represents an assault on Georgia’s soul. Cultural figures have always been at the forefront of the country’s fight for freedom, democracy, and justice. Their targeting sends a chilling message: no one is safe from the regime’s repression.

The international community must urgently condemn these actions, demand accountability, and stand in solidarity with the people of Georgia. The voices of artists, journalists, and activists are vital in the fight for a democratic and free Georgia, and their safety must be protected at all costs.

Despite the violence, the artistic community remains steadfast in its commitment to resist oppression. Actor Giorgi Bakhutashvili said it best: “The fight continues until victory.”

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