Peaceful protesters detained during ongoing demonstrations in Georgia, beginning on November 28th, have been subjected to a series of violations, including the unlawful seizure and appropriation of their personal belongings.

According to numerous detainees represented by lawyers from non-governmental organizations providing legal aid, their personal belongings, such as phones, headphones, laptops, bags, house and car keys, identification documents, wallets, and others, were confiscated during their detention. Some detainees reported that law enforcement officers demanded their phone passwords and resorted to violence when refused. In several instances, mobile phones were confiscated from detainees at police stations but were not returned upon their release. Special forces were involved in confiscating property in some cases, and documentation during transfers to police stations or temporary detention facilities did not reflect the detainees possessing any items.

It is noteworthy that, in most cases, the detainees' belongings were not confiscated in accordance with the law, but were instead appropriated illegally by individual law enforcement officers or discarded to prevent their return. Some victims reported that their personal belongings and phones were taken under threats of violence. In some cases, victims were able to track their phones, which were located in Gori and on the premises of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Parliament, and other government buildings. An analysis of these incidents indicates that, in many cases, the confiscation of property was aimed at unlawful appropriation and had no connection to any legal procedure.

As a result, detainees have no information about when their confiscated belongings will be returned, and the whereabouts of certain items remain unknown. It is essential to conduct an objective investigation into individual cases with appropriate qualification and to punish those involved in the arbitrary and unlawful confiscation and appropriation of property

STATEMENT OF THE LEGAL AID NETWORK OF THE GEORGIAN CSOs