Irakli Kupradze: The video released by the penitentiary institution does not dispel doubts - on the contrary, it raises many more - the man wearing gloves is grounds for suspecting that a crime did occur

“Un-Georgian Dream” has repeated and internalized all the criminal practices that existed under various governments in this country, including instances of inhumane treatment of convicted prisoners. The force that came to power on the back of footage and allegations of torture of prisoners, in the form of “Un-Georgian Dream,” is now itself accused by prisoners of torture, inhumane treatment and violations of their dignity,” Irakli Kupradze, Secretary General of Lelo – Strong Georgia, said, commenting on a statement made by convicted Giorgi Davitaze at the Tbilisi Court of Appeals, in which he accused employees of Penitentiary Institution No. 6 of sexual violence.

According to Kupradze, an objective investigation must begin immediately, and all persons involved should have their powers suspended until the investigation is completed. He also said that international human rights organizations should become involved in the process.

“It is very simple to understand the situation. Fourteen years ago, ‘Un-Georgian Dream’ came to power through prison footage and a scandal. Then, over these 14 years, particularly in recent years, we have seen and heard numerous serious stories and allegations concerning prisons. Prisoners have made numerous serious allegations and recounted stories about penitentiary institutions.

“The information voiced by Giorgi Davitaze, that he was raped by hand in a penitentiary institution, is difficult for me to even say. But the video released by the penitentiary institution does not dispel any doubts; on the contrary, it raises many more. The man wearing gloves who appears in the footage is, once again, grounds for suspecting that a crime actually took place.

“This must be investigated by an independent investigative body. This is one of our main assessments and demands. In terms of assessment, it must be said that ‘Un-Georgian Dream’ has repeated and internalized all the criminal practices that existed under various governments in this country, including instances of inhumane treatment of convicted prisoners.

“It is clear that today, prisoners who are Georgian citizens — tens of thousands of them — need support and solidarity.

“I address the prisoners: crimes that may be committed against you on a daily basis and which former prisoners are actively speaking about will not go unpunished. We will work and fight to ensure that your rights are protected, that prisons are not overcrowded, that hygiene standards are maintained, and that the human dignity necessary for our country to be called a state is protected.

“First, our demand is that completely independent and objective monitoring be carried out immediately in all penitentiary institutions in Georgia. Second, international human rights organizations must immediately become involved in the process, and the human rights situation must be examined without delay, including the problem of overcrowded cells. Third, if the crime is confirmed, all those responsible must be held accountable — from guards to senior officials of the agency — and all persons involved must have their powers suspended until the objective investigative process is completed.

“The force that came to power on the back of the torture of prisoners, in the form of ‘Un-Georgian Dream,’ is now itself accused by prisoners of torture, inhumane treatment and violations of their dignity. We stand alongside every Georgian citizen, including those convicted prisoners who now need solidarity,” Irakli Kupradze said.

For reference, according to a statement made by convicted Giorgi Davitaze at the Tbilisi Court of Appeals, he accuses guards at Penitentiary Institution No. 6 of rape. He said the alleged incident took place in a de-escalation room, involved several individuals, and claimed that “everything can be seen on the cameras.”

The Special Penitentiary Service also responded to the issue, calling the allegation disinformation. According to the Penitentiary Service, “there was no violence of any kind against Davitaze, let alone sexual violence.”