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A Two-Day Kidnapping and Interrogation

April 9, 2009

Maka Malakmadze, Batumi

Avto Beridze

Unidentified people kidnapped Avto Beridze, chairperson of the Batumi youth office of the political party “United Georgia”, for two days. The kidnappers tried to get some information from him but Beridze does not comment about the requested information with journalists or in private conversations.

After having disappeared for two days Avto Beridze was left at the rubbish-dump in Kutaisi. Law enforcement bodies have started an investigation of the incident.

In addition to his political activities Avto Beridze is a manager of the construction company “Bani and ArbatMsheni”. On the day Beridze was kidnapped he was at the company. “I left the office to buy juice; on my way to the shop I was pushed into a van at the corner of the street. Two men pushed me into the car. It was about 7:00 pm,” said Beridze.

Beridze claims he can recognize the kidnappers because none of them had a mask on (there were two people and one driver, Beridze did not see the driver). “None of them was wearing a mask. One of them was a young man of about 25. I was not physically assaulted.”

Beridze stated that kidnappers took him to a stone building. There were no chairs or tables. The kidnapped was sleeping on the floor for two days.

The kidnappers asked Beridze political questions. “Initially, they asked me about my political activities. After I told them I have been a member of the youth movement “Kmara” and member of the ruling party they demanded to provide them with the information about certain people.”

His family members found Avto Beridze in Kutaisi. “They left me on the rubbish-dump. They took me from the building by the same van,” said Beridze. When he got off the car they ordered him to walk forward without looking back. Street-cleaners told Beridze that he was in Kutaisi. He called family members from the nearest shop.

The Batumi office of the Public Defender of Georgia has been informed about the incident. The police station of the Tamar Settlement in Batumi is in charge of the case. The Human Rights Center got in touch with investigator Beso Mgeladze however, he has not commented on the fact. A criminal case has been launched under the article regarding illegal restriction of freedom.

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