Irakli Kirtskhalia: Those behind torture and abuse are now accusing the penitentiary system

Those responsible for torture, humiliation and sexual abuse in the past are now making allegations of torture against Georgia’s penitentiary system, Georgian Dream parliamentary faction chair Irakli Kirtskhalia said.

Kirtskhalia was responding to allegations made by prisoner Giorgi Davitadze, who has accused prison escort officers of sexual assault. Georgia’s Special Penitentiary Service has categorically denied the allegations.

“It is disturbing and appalling to hear these falsehoods from those who were themselves responsible for torture, rape and acts intended to strip people of their dignity,” Kirtskhalia said.

He accused non-governmental organisations and what he described as “so-called political parties” of attempting to damage the reputation of the penitentiary system, which he said had undergone significant improvements since 2012.

“Today, the penitentiary system is being attacked by people who used to hold 70 or 80 inmates in cells designed for 10 and who tied prisoners to corpses. They are attacking a system where there is now a healthy environment and high standards,” Kirtskhalia said.

Davitadze, 36, alleges that he was sexually assaulted in a solitary confinement cell in an act of retaliation intended to humiliate him and violate his dignity. According to the prisoner, up to 10 people were involved in the alleged incident.

The Special Penitentiary Service has categorically rejected Davitadze’s allegations.