Statement of Human Rights Center about Alleged Fact of Prisoner’s Torture in Prison # 8

Human Rights Center requests investigation into alleged facts of torture and inhuman treatment of prisoners in the Gldani prison # 8.

Several days ago, convict Tamaz Rasoyan, who has been beneficiary of Human Rights Center for years, reported to the Center that at midnight of December 3 about 20 prison employees entered his cell in the Gldani prison # 8. The prison personnel took prisoners from the cell to the quarantine room, from where they were supposed to be taken for drug test.

The convicts protested the intention of the prison personnel and demanded them to clarify the situation; the prisoners also asked for the lawyer and representatives of the Public Defender’s Office. Afterwards, as Tamar Rasoyan reported, the prisoners were physically assaulted and beaten; Tamaz Rasoyan was injured in the eyes; he had bruises on the neck and leg. Tamaz Rasoyan claims he was forced to kneel down naked.

On December 4, the convicts were taken for drug-test. External examination and urine analysis did not show the trace of narcotic substance in any of seven convicts. They also took blood analysis but the results were not presented yet. The convicts were on hunger-strike during three days, requested meeting with lawyers and representatives of the Public Defender’s Office but in vain.

It is noteworthy that Tamaz Rasoyan was victim of torture and inhuman treatment in the penitentiary establishment during past years too. He holds status of torture victim and recent inhuman treatment will additionally deteriorate his health conditions.

Human Rights Center addresses to the Ministry of Corrections and Chief Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia to adequately respond to the information provided by the prisoners and to ensure defense of the rights of Tamaz Rasoyan and other convicts.

 Human Rights Center