The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) has issued a statement condemning the alleged physical abuse of Giorgi Bachiashvili, former head of the Co-Investment Fund, in prison. The organization believes that the incident may amount to torture and/or inhuman and degrading treatment, and is calling for independent oversight and accountability.
“GYLA believes that the violence inflicted on Giorgi Bachiashvili in the penitentiary institution may amount to torture and/or inhuman treatment, for which the Special Penitentiary Service is responsible,” the statement reads.
According to GYLA, the Ministry of Justice's investigative unit, which is handling the case, cannot be considered independent and therefore violates the procedural rights of the accused. The organization also highlights the restrictions on Bachiashvili’s access to the outside world as part of a broader pattern of mistreatment.
GYLA emphasized the troubling timing of these developments, noting that:
- The abuse,
- The restriction of communication,
- And the postponement or delay of court hearings in Bachiashvili’s case,
...have all coincided, raising further concerns about systematic violations.
The organization is urging the Public Defender to conduct regular monitoring visits to ensure Bachiashvili’s rights are protected. GYLA also calls on the Prosecutor General to delegate the investigation to a truly independent body, rather than leaving it in the hands of the institution potentially responsible for the abuse.
On July 14, news emerged that Giorgi Bachiashvili had been physically assaulted in prison on July 11. In a detailed letter made public the same day, Bachiashvili described being attacked and beaten severely inside his cell.
