Irakli Pavlenishvili: Regarding the footage, we saw a comment from the Justice Minister that was not only confusing, but actually heightened suspicions; instead of opening the doors to human rights defenders, they are making confusing comments

“This is the first, unprecedented case in the history of our country in which a person himself claims to have been raped within the penitentiary system. Suspicions in society are growing stronger and stronger,” Irakli Pavlenishvili, chairman of the governing council of the United National Movement, said regarding the case of convicted prisoner Giorgi Davitadze.

According to him, “instead of opening the doors to human rights defenders, international organizations, and journalists, they are making unprepared and confusing comments that only intensify suspicions.”

“Over the past several months, we have repeatedly seen information from human rights defenders about an alarming situation in the penitentiary system. Prisons are overcrowded, and prisoners are speaking about, among other things, cases of inhumane treatment. None of these cases have been investigated.

We have also witnessed a horrifying case in which a person, a Georgian man, is speaking about rape. This is the first, unprecedented case in the history of our country in which a person himself makes such a claim. This is the testimony of a specific individual who says that he became a victim of rape within the penitentiary system.

Regarding this footage, we saw a comment from the Justice Minister that was not merely confusing, but actually heightened suspicions. Suspicions in society are growing stronger and stronger. Instead of opening the doors to human rights defenders, international organizations, and journalists, they are making unprepared and confusing comments that intensify suspicions,” Irakli Pavlenishvili said.

It should be recalled that at Tbilisi Court of Appeals, Giorgi Davitadze, a convicted prisoner at Rustavi No. 6 Penitentiary Facility, made a statement accusing prison guards of rape. According to him, the incident took place in a de-escalation room and involved several individuals. He claims that “everything can be seen on the cameras.”

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