The Penitentiary Service has explained why convicted poet Zviad Ratiani will serve his sentence under a strict regime.

According to the statement, Zviad Ratiani was assigned an elevated risk level in accordance with a ministerial order. In determining the level of risk, information specifically related to the prisoner’s personal safety was considered, which made it impossible to place him in a semi-open type penitentiary institution.

“Convicted person Zviad Ratiani was classified as having an elevated risk level in accordance with the Penitentiary Code and Order No. 395 of the Minister of Justice of Georgia, dated May 8, 2019.

When assessing the risk level, particular consideration was given to information related to the personal safety of the convicted individual, Zviad Ratiani, which made it impossible to accommodate him in a semi-open penitentiary facility.

When making the decision, the commission also took into account the prisoner’s request to serve the remaining part of his sentence in a solitary cell, which further confirms that his communication with other inmates may involve certain risks.

We reiterate that the individual risk level for the convicted person was determined in full compliance with legal requirements.

The convicted person (or his representative) has the right to appeal the decision before the Tbilisi City Court in accordance with the procedure established by law,” the statement reads.

For reference, poet Zviad Ratiani was sentenced by the Tbilisi City Court in October 2025 to two years of imprisonment. The prosecution accused him of attacking police officer Teimuraz Meshvelashvili. According to the prosecution, Ratiani struck Meshvelashvili in the face.

He was charged under Article 353¹, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (assault on a police officer in connection with official duties), which предусматривает a penalty of 4 to 7 years of imprisonment.