Demonstrators in Tbilisi protested against violence in prisons
Participants of the meeting in Tbilisi on the 674th day of continuous protests spoke in defense of the rights of prisoners, one of whom accused a prison guard of sexual violence. The protest, despite heavy rain, also took place in Batumi.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on October 1, on the 673rd day of continuous pro-European actions, a rally was held in Tbilisi to mark the fifth anniversary of the detention of Mikheil Saakashvili. Participants of the action demanded the release of the founder of the UNM and arrested party supporters.
Residents of Tbilisi took to the streets for the 674th evening in a row to protest against the policies of the "Georgian Dream" and the abandonment of the course towards Eurointegration. Citizens gathered near the buildings of the parliament and the city council of Tbilisi, demanding the release of political prisoners, the repeal of repressive laws, the holding of free elections, and the return of the country to a Euro-Atlantic course, reports Publika.
In a video posted by user Giorgi Jibla on Facebook*, it can be seen that at least 150 people with national flags, as well as flags of the European Union and the United Kingdom, gathered under the walls of the parliament. A metal barrier separates the demonstrators from the roadway of Rustaveli Avenue, which is dug up.
Activists held placards reading "The system must be destroyed" and "They watch, control your thoughts, assure that war is peace, slavery is freedom," – George Orwell, according to photos published by photographer Georgy Mosiashvili (Mo Se) and Netgazeti on Facebook*.
One of the placards read: "Bidzina, where did you hide that broom?" Activists also brought medical gloves and hung them on the metal fence of Rustaveli Avenue, protesting against violence against prisoners in penitentiary institutions.
"The action is related to the accusation of sexual violence made by prisoner Giorgi Davitadze against a prison guard. In a video published by the penitentiary service regarding Davitadze's case, it can be seen that the guards are wearing latex gloves," notes Pirveli.
Giorgi Davitadze stated in the Appeals Court that he was subjected to sexual violence in a solitary cell of the 6th Rustavi prison. According to the prisoner, up to 10 guards were involved in the violence, and none of the prison staff he named have been held accountable so far. The penitentiary service denies the prisoner's allegations of sexual violence.
The protest on the 674th day of continuous actions, despite heavy rain, also took place in Batumi. Its participants held placards reading "Antsukhilidze is immortal," "Russia is an occupier," and "Freedom for political prisoners," according to a publication by Batumelebi.
Participants of the protests in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Law enforcement has conducted harsh dispersals of protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. During the protests, thousands of people have faced administrative prosecution. "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report "Main points on the persecution of protest participants in Georgia".