Lawyer: detained businessman Tamaz Elizbarashvili fainted in cell, alleges police mistreatment

Detained businessman Tamaz Elizbarashvili fainted in his cell and attributes the incident to alleged inhumane treatment by police officers, including excessively tight handcuffing, his lawyer Lekso Simonishvili said on Wednesday.

Elizbarashvili was taken to a clinic after losing consciousness and recovered there. Simonishvili said his client also alleged psychological pressure by police officers.

“Late at night, when Mr. Tamaz was brought to the detention facility, I visited him. Afterwards, Elizbarashvili fainted in his cell and became unwell, after which he was taken to a clinic, where he regained consciousness. He links this to inhumane treatment and psychological pressure by police officers, including excessively tight handcuffing. He reported the incident, and the city prosecutor’s office spoke with him about it,” Simonishvili said.

The lawyer said he had also contacted investigators regarding the alleged treatment and was subsequently contacted by representatives of the city prosecutor’s office.

Simonishvili said there was still no information regarding the court hearing.

“There is no new information regarding the criminal case, in connection with which the search was conducted. We know that a firearm registered in his name and ammunition were taken from his home and sent for examination,” he said.

Elizbarashvili was detained on September 1. His detention was preceded by searches of his personal vehicle and home. A firearm and ammunition were seized from the house and sent for examination. According to his lawyer, Elizbarashvili legally owned the firearm.