The Public Defender’s Office of Georgia has raised serious concerns over the alleged ill-treatment of detainees following a protest at Tbilisi Mall on Sunday. According to their statement, 22 out of 25 administratively detained individuals reported experiencing abuse at the hands of law enforcement officers.
The incidents reportedly took place both during the arrests and after the detainees were placed into a police minibus. Nine detainees stated they were deliberately assaulted while in transport. Additionally, eleven detainees exhibited visible injuries, predominantly on their faces, with some individuals experiencing symptoms consistent with a concussion, including nausea and headaches. One detainee sustained an eye socket injury and was seen with a bandaged eye during an interview with the Commissioner.
Public Defender representatives visited the detainees held at temporary detention centers in Tbilisi and Dusheti, as well as those receiving treatment at Ingorokva University Clinic and Vivamed Clinic. Among those visited was Nikoloz Kokaia, a cameraman for TV Pirveli.
According to the detainees, law enforcement officials conducted indiscriminate arrests, including individuals who were allegedly standing on the sidewalk and not on the roadway during the protest.
In response, the Public Defender’s Office has formally appealed to the Special Investigation Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, demanding a legal response to the reported mistreatment and other alleged violations. The office has pledged to continue monitoring the ongoing legal proceedings regarding these allegations.
