Six detained in Georgia over alleged police abuse of power

Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday said six people have been detained on suspicion of exceeding official authority through violence during the arrest of a man in the city of Gori, central Georgia, this week.

The Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation was conducted by the Investigative Division of the Shida Kartli and Mtskheta-Mtianeti District Prosecutor’s Office in coordination with the Interior Ministry’s General Inspectorate.

Investigators said the incident took place on Wednesday, when the accused allegedly used violence while carrying out the detention of an individual.

The Prosecutor’s Office said the actions “substantially violated the victim’s rights” and resulted in injuries.

It said the suspects were detained on Thursday following what it described as a rapid investigation and the collection of evidence.

The offence carries a prison sentence of between five and eight years.

Citing “high public interest” in the case, the Prosecutor’s Office said it would periodically release further information about the progress of the investigation.