Two detained on charges of negligence in connection with attack on Giorgi Rurua in prison

By Khatia Bzhalava

Thursday, December 17

Convict Giorgi Rurua and his lawyer believe the attack was politically motivated and believe the government is responsible for the incident.

Employees of #8 Penitentiary Institution will face a fine, house arrest for a term of six months to two years, or imprisonment for up to three years if convicted.

The General Inspectorate of the Ministry of Justice arrested a Chief Inspector of the Security Department of Penitentiary Institution No 8 and a Chief Inspector of the Legal Regime Department under the charge of neglect of official duty regarding the case of group beating of inmate Giorgi Rurua, a co-founder and shareholder of TV channel Mtavari Arkhi.

Rurua was attacked by other inmates in prison on November 2nd. As a result of physical and verbal assault, Rurua received bruises on his face. The Special Penitentiary Service has made the video-footage public "to avoid any political speculations." Rurua’s lawyer and opposition members believe that the attack was politically motivated.

According to the Ministry of Justice, an investigation launched by the Eastern Investigation Division of the General Inspectorate has revealed that the chief inspector of the Security Department of the facility Sh. M. and chief inspector of the Legal Regime Department, L.G improperly performed their duties leading to group attack on Rurua.

The mentioned individuals have been arrested under the first part of Article 342 of the Criminal Code of Georgia and, if convicted, they will either face a fine, house arrest for a term of six months to two years, or imprisonment for up to three years.

Rurua was sentenced to four years in prison for the illegal possession and carrying of firearms earlier this year. Opposition parties consider him a political inmate and demand his release on the ground of the March 8th agreement.