Protesters in Tbilisi demanded an end to the torture of inmates
The daily gathering in front of the Parliament building of Georgia on the 678th day of protests was preceded by an action at the Penitentiary Service. Its participants demanded punishment for prison staff for torturing inmates and expressed support for Giorgi Davitadze, who accused the guards of sexual violence.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on October 5, on the 677th day of continuous protests, citizens of Georgia protested against the pro-Russian policies of the "Georgian Dream" and torture in prisons.
Inmate of Rustavi prison No. 6 Giorgi Davitadze stated in the Appeals Court that he was subjected to sexual violence in a solitary cell. He accused the guards of the violence, while the Penitentiary Service denies the inmate's accusations. Participants of the action at the Parliament on October 2 protested against violence against inmates. In a video published by the Penitentiary Service regarding Davitadze's case, it is visible that the guards are wearing latex gloves, which is why activists brought similar medical gloves and hung them on the metal fence of Rustaveli Avenue.
Supporters of Georgia's Eurointegration gathered today at the buildings of the Parliament and City Council in Tbilisi on the 678th day of protests. The demonstrators voiced their unchanged demands: to release all those arrested for participating in the protests, to repeal repressive laws, to return to a Euro-Atlantic political course, and to hold free elections, reports Publika.
The action took place in the rain, with many participants sheltering from the precipitation under umbrellas. At least 150 people gathered under the walls of the Parliament, according to a photo by Giorgi Mumladze and a video by Giorgi Jibla on Facebook*.
Tens of activists also gathered near the Tbilisi Sakrebulo building. The demonstrators, under the flags of Georgia and the European Union, communicated peacefully with each other and read books, some of them came to the action with pets, according to photos published by photographer Giorgi Mosiashvili (Mo Se).
During the day, an action in support of inmate Giorgi Davitadze, who reported sexual violence by the guards, took place in front of the Special Penitentiary Service of Georgia. The protesters brought latex gloves and photos of the guards whom the inmate named as participants in the violence.
Activists held placards reading “Support for Giorgi Davitadze”, “Fire the prison chief”, “The system must be dismantled”, “Do not kill our children in prison”, “Guards, do you like the current situation?”, “Stop torturing inmates”, “Punish the executioner guards” and “White gloves – a symbol of the power of the 'Georgian Dream'.
Relatives of Giorgi Davitadze demanded that all prison staff accused by the inmate of sexual violence be held accountable.
“Family members and participants of the action marched from the building of the Special Penitentiary Service to the building of the Public Broadcaster. They demand to be given live coverage,” reported the Telegram channel Tbilisi_life.
Participants in the protests in Georgia have been demanding new parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners since November 28, 2024. Security forces have conducted harsh dispersals of protests, using tear gas and water cannons, and detained protesters. During the protests, thousands of people have faced administrative prosecution. The "Caucasian Knot" has prepared a report on "The main points on the prosecution of protest participants in Georgia".