Levan Ioseliani: Ombudsman’s office found no evidence of mistreatment or physical violence against Giorgi Davitadze

Public Defender Levan Ioseliani said that the Ombudsman’s Office found no evidence indicating mistreatment or physical violence against convicted prisoner Giorgi Davitadze.

Speaking to journalists, Ioseliani said the Public Defender’s Office had examined the matter in detail, including reviewing video footage.

“We examined this issue in detail, including requesting archived materials and reviewing video footage. We did not find any evidence indicating any form of physical mistreatment or violence. He also referred to verbal abuse. In this regard, we contacted the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation,” Levan Ioseliani said.

For reference, according to a statement made by convicted prisoner Giorgi Davitadze at the Tbilisi Court of Appeals, he accused guards at Penitentiary Institution No. 6 of sexually assaulting him. He said the alleged incident took place in the de-escalation room and involved several individuals. According to his claim, “everything can be seen on the cameras.”

The Special Penitentiary Service also responded to the allegations, describing them as disinformation. According to the Penitentiary Service, “there was no violence of any kind against Davitadze, let alone sexual violence.”