Nongovernmental Organizations Address to Torture Victim Prisoners and Their Family Members

After parliamentary elections of October 2012, Georgian society expected launch of impartial investigation into the cases of torture and inhuman treatment in penitentiary system to combat violence in Georgian prisons. Promises of the central authority and government members on launching these investigations reinforced people’s expectation. Nevertheless, the society still does not have information about ongoing investigation process and its results. Consequently, on February 4, 2013 nongovernmental organizations released statement where we requested relevant institutions to take concrete and effective measures to expose facts of torture and inhuman treatment in penitentiary establishments and for effective investigation.

This time, we, nongovernmental organizations appeal to tortured prisoners, former prisoners, probationers and their family members and suggest them to actively fight for their rights and honor.

Timely documenting of violence trace is significant for effective investigation of torture and inhuman treatment facts. Although investigation bodies shall document torture facts in the process of investigation, (physical, psychic and psychological) trace is mitigating and fading away.

Consequently, in future it would be more difficult to document torture facts. So, we call upon you to personally apply to independent forensic expertise, psychological and medical institutions (psychic or somatic healthcare) in order to timely document traces of torture and violence.

We all are fully aware that this service is paid and requires financial expenses but in future it will become legal basis for the victims of torture to request legal and medical rehabilitation and material compensation.  On our side, we are ready to assist everybody in any form and promote just solution of the problem.

GCRT – The Georgian Center for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victim
Article 42 of the Constitution
Human Rights Center
Media Institute
GYLA – Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association
GIP – Global Initiative in Psychiatry
PRI – Penal Reform International
Youth for Justice
Coalition for Civic Development
Public Attorney