Ombudsman counts 188 cases of brutal treatment of detainees during protests in Georgia

Most of those detained during protests in Georgia, who were visited by representatives of the country’s Ombudsman, reported that the police used excessive force against them during detentions. Advocates for the detainees claimed that their clients were beaten in detention facilities as well.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that the protests against the suspension of negotiations on the country’s membership in the European Union have been taking place in Georgia since November 28. The police are carrying out violent dispersals of protesters, using tear gas and water cannons.

Georgian Ombudsman Levan Ioseliani notes that the alarming number of detainees claims beatings and improper treatment, which is clearly visible in the footage distributed by the media, the “Formula” TV Company reports.

“At the moment, my representatives have visited 260 people, and 188 citizens claim being unlawfully treated by the police,” Levan Ioseliani said.

Nika Gvaramiya, a member of the “Coalition for Change” , reported being unlawfully detained. “He was subjected to physical violence, and the police were insulting him,” the Georgian Ombudsman stated.

Levan Ioseliani added that the police used disproportionate force when arresting Aleko Elisashvili, one of the leaders of the “Strong Georgia” Party. The politician allegedly has got his ribs broken.

Ioseb Babaev, an activist and businessman from Gori, reported that he was subjected to violence during his detention three days ago, as well as in the detention facility after his detention. “I needed to undergo surgery. I’ve got cast on my leg and a brain concussion,” claimed Ioseb Babaev as quoted by the “Georgia Online” news agency.