NGO accuses police of ineffective repose to rape in Tbilisi involving foreigner

Sapari, a domestic non-governmental organization, on Tuesday accused the law enforcement of ineffective response to a rape incident in Tbilisi on July 8, which the NGO claimed involved a foreign national. 

In a press briefing, the NGO said the case allegedly involved “not a single perpetrator”, and that the victim reportedly had been given a narcotic substance with a premeditated intention, along with a small amount of drink. 

Sapari said the woman’s friend, who witnessed the rape, had called police, but the law enforcement opened investigation after a few days, did not ensure medical examination and other mandatory procedures, which, according to the NGO, had caused the loss of “crucial evidence”. 

Sapari also cited the victim as saying that the law enforcement from the 4th department of Vake-Saburtalo district in Tbilisi had shown “cynical” and “discriminatory” attitude to her, adding it had already filed a lawsuit against them.