Media and entertainment unions stand with Georgia’s cultural workers

UNI Europa’s Media, Entertainment, and Arts sector, representing over 70 unions across Europe, has expressed unwavering solidarity with Cineunion, the Union of Georgian Film Workers, and all film, media and cultural professionals in Georgia. Our colleagues, at great personal risk, have joined hundreds of thousands of civilians in protesting for democracy, fundamental rights, and closer ties with the European Union.

Since 28 November 2024, peaceful protests in Georgia have been met with alarming levels of violence. The government has deployed tear gas, truncheons, and water cannons against demonstrators. Over 300 civilians, including many artists and other cultural workers, have been arrested, with numerous reports of detainees being subjected to police brutality and torture.

Notable figures in the Georgian arts community have been targeted. On 5 December, acclaimed actor Andro Chichinadze was arrested on allegations of inciting violence, following the earlier detention and reported assault of actor Giorgi Nakashidze. Ther have been violent suppression of journalists covering the protests, emphasizing the need for objective reporting and the protection of media professionals.

William Maunier, President of UNI Europa’s Media, Entertainment, and Arts sector, stated: “We stand united with our colleagues in Georgia, who are courageously defending democratic values and artistic freedom. Violence and oppression have no place in any society. We urge the Georgian authorities to stop these actions immediately and uphold the fundamental rights of their citizens.”

UNI Europa demands an immediate end to the use of violence against peaceful protesters, civil society activists and cultural workers. The Georgian government must prioritise dialogue over suppression and work with political opponents to chart a path forward.

See below the full statement of UNI Europa’s Media, Entertainment, and Arts Sector.

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