The report was prepared by HRIDC to provide facts regarding human rights violations to the public. Additionally, HRIDC hopes to inform the government and society about the indicators of recent trends in the field of human rights violations. HRIDC wants these facts to pave the way for a just society and open discussion and analysis.

According to Ucha Nanuashvili, Executive Director of HRIDC, the new government has implemented some positive changes in the past year: the totalitarian regime in Adjaria, historically a region of Georgia, has been changed; the Georgian Law on Freedom of Expression was adopted by the Georgian parliament in June 2004; the patrol police, which was created by the new government, already enjoys sympathy from society; salaries and pensions are paid regularly and; public services, such as public transportation, have improved in the capital of Georgia.

However, HRDIC reports that the recent legislative and constitutional changes, which have challenged a republican-style balance of power, are of particular concern. It is also noteworthy that the statements on law enforcement by the President and other officials encourage lower officials to violate basic rights and may lead to an increase in the already existent and excessive use of violence by the police. The report gives examples of human rights violations, including deprivation of the right to life, arbitrary detentions, torture and an increasing number of political prisoners. The report also documents the persecution and disappearance of Chechen refugees, the violation of the right of assembly, and the lack of attention given to independent NGOs.

Compiled from:  Human Rights in Georgia after the "Rose Revolution" One Step Forward, Two Steps Back, HRIDC News Bulletin, 13 December 2004.