Former Prisoner Claims Compensation for Moral and Physical Damage

Kristine Pakhomov

On May 11, representatives of Human Rights Center held a press-conference in the press-club of the news agency PIA about the case of Tamaz Rasoyan, former prisoner and torture victim. With the legal advocacy of the Center, he was released from the courtroom on May 5. He claims compensation from the Ministry of Corrections – 500 000 GEL. 

During his 12-years-long prison term Tamaz Rasoyan was subjected to torture and inhuman treatment several times, as a result of what he got serious diseases. Although his diagnose met the criteria set up in the resolution of the Minister of Labor, Healthcare and Social Welfare about the list of grave and incurable diseases that may become basis for the early release of a convicted person, the Ministry of Corrections permanently refused to release him.  

On May 17, 2013 Tamaz Rasoyan was found a victim in the case of prisoners’ torture in the Prison # 6. Tamaz Rasoyan witnessed the riot in Ortatchala prison in 2006. On October 15, 2012 Human Rights Center published his testimony and called on the prosecutor’s office to study the provided information. 

“Although the organizers of the torture and inhuman treatment facts in penitentiary establishments were punished, no legal or psycho-social rehabilitation service was provided in Tamaz Rasoyan’s case. Human Rights Center continues struggle for restoration of justice. We actively work to oblige the state to compensate Rasoyan for the damage he received during imprisonment. During years, the Center requested release of Tamaz Rasoyan and finally we succeeded,” executive director of Human Rights Center Aleko Tskitishvili said.

He added that although the former prisoner was victim of torture and inhuman treatment during previous government, neither the current authority responded to the petitions of the organization.

Lawyer of Human Rights Center Nestan Londaridze said they are working on the applications of six more victims. 

The former prisoner refrains from speaking about his imprisonment term and the facts of torture and inhuman treatment, as well as participants of the crimes. 

“You got concerned with the video-footage you watched. Believe me it was nothing in comparison what really happened in prisons. It is still very difficult for me to recover and believe that I am already free. They may organize some provocations against me or my family; so I prefer to stay at home,” the former prisoner said.

Executive director of the Center said there is theoretical risk that the former prisoner may be provoked to send him back to prison for larger terms. “During imprisonment, they added terms to Rasoyan twice. So it is possible that he will be provoked outside the prison too.”

The trials against the Ministry of Corrections will start on May 18.