“On a human level, it is very difficult and painful for me what is happening around Aleko. I personally visited him in detention and reviewed his conditions. We are doing everything possible to ensure that his rights are protected,” said Public Defender of Georgia Levan Ioseliani in an interview with Kviris Palitra.

According to Ioseliani, the Public Defender’s approach toward detainees must be equal, and there should be no “favorites or privileged prisoners.”

“On a human level, it is very difficult and painful for me what is happening around Aleko. Of course, I visited him in his cell - he is being held at the Sixth Penitentiary Facility. I personally familiarized myself with his detention conditions. We are doing everything possible to ensure that his rights are protected. At the same time, I do not want society to be left with the impression that I am giving special attention to Aleko’s case simply because he is my friend.

For me, no convicted person or defendant is worth less or more than Aleko. I exercise my mandate equally toward everyone. Alongside visiting Aleko, I also met other prisoners at the Sixth Penitentiary Facility and communicated with the prison administration regarding their cases as well. The Public Defender’s attitude toward prisoners must be equal - the Public Defender cannot have favorite or privileged prisoners or act based on personal considerations. This would cause justified dissatisfaction both among prisoners and in society,” Ioseliani stated.