GYLA on Giorgi Bachiashvili: It is noteworthy that the mistreatment, restrictions on communication with the outside world, and the postponement or cancellation of hearings coincide in time; The violence against Bachiashvili may amount to torture and/or inhuman treatment

The Young Lawyers’ Association of Georgia (GYLA) considers that the violence perpetrated against Giorgi Bachiashvili in a penitentiary institution may amount to torture or inhuman treatment, for which the Special Penitentiary Service is responsible, according to a statement issued by GYLA.

According to their clarification, the investigation initiated or conducted by the relevant investigative unit of the Georgian Ministry of Justice regarding this incident cannot be considered as one carried out by an independent body, thereby also violating the procedural rights of the accused.

Additionally, GYLA notes that the practice of restricting Bachiashvili’s contact with the outside world is problematic.

“It is noteworthy that the ill-treatment of the accused in the penitentiary institution coincides in time with the flawed practice of restricting his communication with the outside world and the postponement or non-holding of court hearings on his case in the near term.

The aforementioned incidents also affect the situation of other individuals held in penitentiary institutions, exacerbating fear of ill-treatment and a sense of vulnerability among both those detained and their family members.

GYLA calls on:- The Public Defender of Georgia to conduct regular visits to the penitentiary service to monitor the rights situation of the convicted individual.- The General Prosecutor of Georgia to assign the investigation of the criminal case to the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office. Given the high public interest, the public should be informed about the investigation’s results in accordance with the principles of criminal justice,” the statement reads.

For reference, Giorgi Bachiashvili, the former head of the “Co-Investment Fund,” released a letter from Gldani Prison detailing the violence against him. According to Bachiashvili’s statement, he was physically assaulted on July 11. He also reported that on July 8, he was summoned by David Gogoberishvili, the head of Facility No. 8, who advised him to disclose all his bank accounts, cryptocurrency transactions, and account addresses to Bidzina Ivanishvili. On the evening of July 11, an unknown person entered his cell and physically attacked him.