Prepared by Messenger Staff
Imprisoned Batumi Protester Temur Katamadze Refuses to End Hunger Strike on 35th Day
Temur Katamadze, the imprisoned flag-bearer of the Batumi protests, has been on a hunger strike for 35 days and has no intention of stopping. In a letter distributed on February 19, Katamadze confirmed his decision to continue, despite growing concerns over his health.
His lawyer, Mariam Gabroshvili, told Formula that they only have medical documentation on his condition up to February 9 and have requested updated records from the Migration Department. Gabroshvili noted that on February 15, Katamadze received a transfusion at a medical facility but was returned to the temporary detention center shortly afterward, despite his request to remain under medical supervision. In protest, he is now refusing further medical tests.
"Despite his request to remain in the clinic for constant monitoring, this was refused, which is why he is now protesting and refusing to undergo medical examinations in the detention center," Gabroshvili said.
Katamadze has also raised allegations of mistreatment in custody. His other lawyer, Keti Tsitsuashvili, said that she met with him on February 19 when he was questioned by the Special Investigation Service about violence inflicted on him while detained.
"During this questioning, Temur Katamadze identified another police officer who had committed violence against him. He requested a photo identification process to recognize the officers responsible for physically assaulting and verbally abusing him at the Batumi Police Department," Tsitsuashvili stated.
Two Georgian Citizens Arrested in Counter-Terrorism Operation
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) has announced the detention of two Georgian citizens as part of a coordinated counter-terrorism operation. The operation led to the seizure of significant evidence, including ammunition, various electronic devices, cash, and other materials crucial for the ongoing investigation.
According to SSG's statement, the operation involved simultaneous raids across the country. In addition to the aforementioned items, the authorities also confiscated evidence suggesting potential links between the detainees and an international terrorist organization.
"As a result of the operational activities and investigative actions conducted by the State Security Service within the framework of counter-terrorism operations, several special operations were carried out across the country. These measures led to the detention of two Georgian citizens and the seizure of important evidence, including ammunition, electronic devices, cash, and other significant items," the statement noted.
The security service also confirmed that evidence seized during the raids points to possible connections with international terrorist networks, though further details regarding the suspects and the nature of the alleged links remain under investigation.
The operation is ongoing as authorities continue to analyze the seized materials. Further information will be disclosed as the investigation progresses.
