Prisoner is on Hunger Strike in Batumi Jail # 3

Tengiz Shalikashvili who is suspected of robbery is on Hunger strike since May 15.
According to the family members of Shalikashvili, he considers himself as innocent. “He told to his lawyer that if he was not justified he would kill himself, he cannot bear prison conditions and as being guiltless he suffers from it,” noted Natia Shalikashvili, sister of prisoner Shalikashvili; she is accused too.
Gorge Charkviani, the representative of Public Defender in Adjara visited the prisoner.

“The prisoner is moved to the separate cell, because prisoners on strike should not be isolated from other ones. Condition of his health is normal and doctors are taking care of him” said Giorgi Charkviani.

The sister Natia Shalikashvili and brother Tengo Shalikashvili are accused of group robbery. There are only testimonies of two witnesses and   the inflicted that bring charges against the accused.

The court trial for the accused was closed on February 4 by Levan Tevzadze, Judge of Khelvachauri District Court considering solicitation of Prosecutor. The court is not going to open trial until passing the sentence for the accused in spite of the appeal made by the defendant side.

The date of the next trial for the Shalikashvili is set for May 21.

Human Rights Center in Batumi