Public defender raises alarm over police violence during protests

Public Defender Levan Ioseliani on Monday expressed concern over the use of violence during protests, revealing that out of 156 people visited by his office, 124, or nearly 80 percent, claimed to have been subjected to violence and inhuman treatment.

Ioseliani called on the police to adhere strictly to the legal norms and avoid exceeding the boundaries of lawful force.

At a briefing on the ongoing situation regarding the protests, Ioseliani emphasized the alarming increase in the number of detainees alleging excessive force by police, especially compared to previous demonstrations.

“This is a very worrying number,” he said, urging the police to ensure that only legitimate force is used and that any violations are promptly investigated by the Special Investigation Service.