Amnesty International and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) have expressed deep concern over reports of torture, sexualized violence, beatings, and threats against inmates in Georgian prisons.
The organizations issued a joint statement emphasizing that reports have also surfaced regarding reprisals against prisoners who report abuse or demonstrate solidarity with fellow inmates.
Human rights defenders highlighted several high-profile cases: alleged sexualized violence and subsequent suspected retaliation against Giorgi Davitadze at Penitentiary Establishment No. 6 in Rustavi; the alleged rape of an inmate by a prison officer at Penitentiary Establishment No. 1 in Laituri; and allegations concerning the severe beating of Davit Peikrishvili at Penitentiary Establishment No. 8 in Gldani.
According to the rights groups, both the allegations themselves and the response of the authorities are cause for serious alarm. The Special Penitentiary Service initially denied the beating of Davit Peikrishvili, while the investigation initiated following Giorgi Davitadze’s complaint was terminated citing a lack of evidence of a crime. The organizations emphasized that the effectiveness of investigative actions in these cases raises grave doubts.
The statement underscores that the state is obligated to protect prisoners from violence and retaliation, promptly and independently investigate any credible allegations of ill-treatment, and bring perpetrators to trial where proper evidence exists. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of prison practices, complaint-handling procedures, and mechanisms for protecting prisoners’ rights is required.
According to Amnesty International and GYLA experts, fresh evidence of prison violence compounds concerns over the complete lack of accountability for torture and inhuman treatment in Georgia.
“These allegations are all the more alarming given the entrenched impunity for torture and ill-treatment in Georgia, including the widespread violence against protesters that began in 2024.
The failure to ensure effective investigations and accountability creates a direct risk that such crimes will recur in the future.
The Georgian authorities must break this vicious cycle of impunity: establish an oversight body capable of genuinely, effectively, and independently curbing violence; implement independent mechanisms for receiving and reviewing complaints; and guarantee victims access to justice and proportionate compensation,” the joint statement by the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association and Amnesty International reads.
